Tennessee Assistant Coach Confident Nate Ament Should Declare for NBA Draft

Gregg Polinsky believes the star freshman should forgo his remaining college eligibility.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 3:40pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a basketball player's jump shot broken down into overlapping planes of color, capturing the energy and movement of the sport.Ament's NBA future hangs in the balance as Tennessee's coaching staff pushes for him to turn pro.Chicago Today

Tennessee basketball assistant coach Gregg Polinsky firmly believes star freshman Nate Ament should declare for the upcoming NBA Draft, despite some pundits suggesting he could benefit from another year of college. Polinsky said Ament's talent and draft position make it clear he should turn pro, barring any strong objections from Ament's family.

Why it matters

Ament was one of the top freshmen in the country this past season, helping lead Tennessee to the Elite Eight. His NBA draft stock is high, but some have speculated he could boost it further by returning to school. Polinsky's public stance puts pressure on Ament to make a decision that aligns with the program's wishes.

The details

In ESPN's latest mock draft, Ament is projected to be the 9th overall pick, which would send him to the Chicago Bulls. As a freshman, Ament averaged 16.7 points, 6.3 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game, though he missed the final week of the regular season due to injury before gutting through the postseason.

  • Ament's college career ended with a loss to Michigan in the Elite Eight.
  • ESPN's latest mock draft was released prior to the NCAA Tournament.

The players

Nate Ament

A top-five recruit who had a standout freshman season at Tennessee, emerging as a potential NBA lottery pick.

Gregg Polinsky

An assistant coach on the Tennessee basketball staff who believes Ament should declare for the NBA Draft.

Chicago Bulls

The NBA team that ESPN's mock draft projects will select Ament with the 9th overall pick.

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What they’re saying

“Of course, he's gotta go (to the draft). Unless his people, his family is great with him coming back. They're amazing. Amazing family. But if he were my son, I'm telling him he's got to go. Look, if he's hearing a number that, meaning not money, but hey, you're probably going to go 18-25, really? Okay, well, maybe I consider coming back. But I doubt it, guys. I'm going to be surprised if his name is not called in the lottery. And how high it can be in the lottery, beauty is in the eye of the beholder.”

— Gregg Polinsky, Tennessee Basketball Assistant Coach

What’s next

Ament has until the NBA's early entry deadline in mid-April to declare for the draft. The NBA Draft Combine is scheduled for late May, giving Ament time to weigh his options.

The takeaway

Polinsky's strong stance puts pressure on Ament to turn pro, despite some speculation he could boost his draft stock by returning to Tennessee. The decision will have major implications for the Volunteers' outlook next season.