Coach Barnes Says He Already Knows Nate Ament’s NBA Decision Ahead of April 24 Deadline

TL;DR: Coach Rick Barnes says he already knows Nate Ament’s NBA decision, and the freshman must declare by the April 24 deadline after averaging 16.7 points, 6.3 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game.

The NCAA early‑entry deadline for the 2026 NBA Draft is 11:59 p.m. on April 24. Players who enter by that date can still withdraw and return to school until May 27. Ament, a five‑star freshman forward for Tennessee, has been projected as a lottery pick but recent mock drafts place him just outside the top 15.

Barnes stated he is confident Ament will make the right choice, calling him one of the top players in the country. He said he already knows the decision because he has seen Ament’s development firsthand.

During the season, Ament played 35 games and posted averages of 16.7 points, 6.3 rebounds and 2.3 assists per contest. His scoring output exceeds his rebounding average by 10.4 points, highlighting a guard‑oriented skill set for a forward.

The clarification from Barnes adds certainty to a situation that has generated speculation among analysts and fans. Tennessee’s roster planning hinges on whether Ament remains for a second season or turns professional, which would affect scholarship distribution and team composition for 2025‑26.

What to watch next: Ament’s official declaration before the April 24 deadline and any subsequent draft workouts that could finalize his projected NBA slot.