Projected top-five 2026 NBA Draft pick Nate Ament has found his college home—and it’s with Rick Barnes and the Tennessee Volunteers.
The five-star forward announced his commitment to Tennessee for the 2025–26 season, choosing the Vols over powerhouse programs like Duke, Kentucky, Arkansas, and Louisville, per On3’s Joe Tipton. Ament, who wrapped up an impressive senior year in Manassas, Virginia, shared with ESPN that his bond with Coach Barnes played a major role in his decision.
“Coach Barnes views me as a one-and-done player,” Ament said. “He’s done it before with Kevin Durant at Texas, and he sees that potential in me. I’ve developed a strong relationship with the entire staff. I trust them, and I believe they’ll help me grow both on and off the court.”
Ament’s senior campaign at Highland High School was nothing short of dominant. He led his team to a 42–8 record and a VISAA Division I state title, earned McDonald’s All-American honors, and was named Virginia’s Gatorade Player of the Year.
Now headed to Knoxville, Ament has high expectations for what’s next.
“I think we’ll be a national championship team,” he said. “That’s the type of run we’re aiming for. The coaches want to use me as an offensive weapon and continue to build my defensive game. They don’t box me into a position—they see me as a complete player who can impact the game in every way.”
Tennessee reached the Elite Eight in this year’s NCAA Tournament before falling to Houston. With Ament joining the fold, the Vols are hoping to take the next step in 2026—and he may be the game-changer they need.
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