Jan. 30, 2026, 3:30 p.m. ET
Tennessee freshman forward Nate Ament received an updated 2026 NBA draft projection. His latest draft projection is ahead of the Vols’ home basketball game versus Auburn on Saturday.
Bryan Kalbrosky of USA TODAY Sports projects Ament to be selected by San Antonio in the first round with the No. 14 overall pick.
“Scouts might feel divided about Tennessee freshman Nate Ament, who has struggled with his shooting efficiency in college so far and isn’t showing tremendous athleticism, but with his 6-foot-10 frame and a recent 29-point performance against No. 23 Alabama on Jan. 24, it only takes one team to fall in love with what he brings to the table,” Kalbrosky said. “Maybe the San Antonio Spurs could use this pick from the Atlanta Hawks to swing for the fences on someone with his unique upside.”
The 6-foot-10, 207-pound freshman has appeared in 20 games, including 20 starts, for the Vols during the 2025-26 season. He is averaging 16.3 points, 6.3 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game.
Ament’s season-high for points in a game is 23. He was named SEC Freshman of the Week on Jan. 26.
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