Tennessee's Nate Ament 'starting to understand the whole thing'

Freshman wing Ament has been key to Vols' success late in games this season.

Jan. 29, 2026 at 10:07am

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Tennessee freshman wing Nate Ament has been making big plays down the stretch for the Volunteers, including a clutch 3-pointer in overtime to help beat Georgia. Head coach Rick Barnes praised Ament's growing understanding of the game and ability to take control of the team during key moments.

Why it matters

Ament was once viewed as a top NBA prospect, but has struggled at times adjusting to the physicality of college basketball. His recent strong performances suggest he may be turning a corner, which could be crucial for Tennessee as they enter the most important stretch of the season.

The details

Ament scored 19 points on 7-18 shooting, including 2-5 from 3-point range, in Tennessee's overtime win against Georgia. Barnes highlighted Ament's ability to get to his spots and get off his shots, as well as his growing leadership in taking control of the team during timeouts and relaying the coach's instructions.

  • Ament is coming off a 29-point performance against Alabama over the weekend.
  • Tennessee's win over Georgia on Wednesday night went to overtime.

The players

Nate Ament

A 6-10 freshman wing for the Tennessee Volunteers who was once viewed as a top NBA prospect but has struggled at times adjusting to the physicality of college basketball.

Rick Barnes

The head coach of the Tennessee Volunteers, who has praised Ament's growth and leadership despite early season struggles.

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What they’re saying

“Nate, he is really starting to see the game. I love watching him right now talk to the guys. Like during one of the timeouts, I said what I said, and he circled them up and he took control. He said, 'listen, here's what we're doing.' And he repeated it exactly. We haven't had that but he's starting to see the game. Like when we run some actions, he's starting to just play out of it, know what he needs to do. But we need other guys to see what he's seeing. Nate again, he's been terrific.”

— Rick Barnes, Head Coach, Tennessee Volunteers

“He's starting to understand the whole thing, too, the more and more he plays.”

— Rick Barnes, Head Coach, Tennessee Volunteers

What’s next

As Tennessee enters the most important stretch of the season, it will be interesting to see if Nate Ament's recent strong play and growing understanding of the game can help change the narrative around his NBA draft stock.

The takeaway

Nate Ament's development over the course of the season has been crucial for Tennessee, as the freshman wing has started to take on more of a leadership role and make big plays down the stretch. If he can continue this upward trajectory, it could pay major dividends for the Volunteers as they push for a strong finish to the season.