Tennessee's Nate Ament Nearing Return for SEC Tournament

Head coach Rick Barnes provides update on freshman wing's status ahead of postseason play.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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Tennessee head coach Rick Barnes indicated that freshman wing Nate Ament is inching closer to a return for the SEC Tournament in Nashville. Ament has missed the Vols' last two games with a right leg injury suffered against Alabama on February 28. Barnes said Ament has been doing more in practice the last couple days and will likely push it further on Tuesday, but his status for Tennessee's opening game on Thursday remains uncertain.

Why it matters

Ament has been a key contributor for Tennessee this season, averaging 17.4 points, 6.4 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game. His potential return would be a boost for the Vols as they look to make a deep run in the SEC Tournament and secure a favorable seed in the upcoming NCAA Tournament.

The details

Ament suffered the right leg injury with 7:42 left before halftime in Tennessee's 71-69 loss to Alabama on February 28. He missed the rest of the first half and played just two minutes the rest of the way before being pulled from the game. Barnes said Ament will have to return to practice before returning to game action next week.

  • On February 28, Ament suffered a right leg injury against Alabama.
  • Ament missed Tennessee's last two games, including the 86-82 loss to Vanderbilt on Senior Day.
  • Tennessee will face either Auburn or Mississippi State in the SEC Tournament on Thursday, March 14.

The players

Rick Barnes

Head coach of the Tennessee Volunteers men's basketball team.

Nate Ament

Freshman wing player for the Tennessee Volunteers who has been sidelined with a right leg injury.

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What they’re saying

“He's OK. He did some things with Chad (Newman) the last couple days and I think he'll see a little bit more today. But still we'll just see. He has been doing more with Chad, running and 'G' (Garrett Medenwald), those type things. He'll probably push a little bit more today and see how he responds from it.”

— Rick Barnes, Head Coach, Tennessee Volunteers (on3.com)

“For the beating he has taken this year, the rest might be great.”

— Rick Barnes, Head Coach, Tennessee Volunteers (on3.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

Nate Ament's potential return would be a significant boost for Tennessee as they prepare for postseason play. The Vols will closely monitor his progress in practice this week to determine his availability for the SEC Tournament opener on Thursday.