Tennessee Freshman Nate Ament Declares for 2026 NBA Draft After Record Season

Tennessee forward Nate Ament officially declared for the 2026 NBA Draft on April 23, concluding his freshman season with the Volunteers. This decision follows a year where Ament established himself as a significant contributor to the team.

Ament's freshman campaign included setting new Tennessee program records for freshmen. He achieved 196 made free throws and 248 free-throw attempts in a single season. These figures also placed him third and fourth overall in single-season free throws made and attempted for any Volunteer player, respectively.

During his 35 games, Ament averaged 16.7 points, 6.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 1.0 steal, and 0.6 blocks per game. He started every game, logging an average of 29.7 minutes. He shot 39.9% from the field, 33.3% from three-point range, and 79% from the free-throw line. His statistical output earned him recognition, including selections to the All-SEC Second Team and the All-SEC Freshman Team, along with being a finalist for the Julius Erving Award.

Ament publicly expressed gratitude towards his “Vol family,” specifically thanking teammates, coaches, and fans. He affirmed his commitment to always represent the Volunteers with pride, stating the university holds a significant place for him beyond basketball.

Ament's early declaration positions him as a notable prospect for the 2026 NBA Draft class. His immediate impact was evident, leading the team in made free throws, free-throw attempts, and defensive rebounding (4.6 per game). He also ranked second on the roster in scoring and made field goals.

This move marks the early departure of the highest-ranked recruit in Tennessee program history. Ament, a consensus five-star prospect, joined the Volunteers as the No. 4 overall player in the Class of 2025 according to 247Sports. His decision to declare after a single college season reflects a direct trajectory toward professional basketball.

The coming year will track Ament's development as he prepares for the 2026 NBA Draft, while Tennessee evaluates options to fill the void created by his departure.