Tennessee Freshman Nate Ament Wins SEC Award Fifth Time This Season

Ament's five SEC Freshman of the Week honors are the most in program history.

Feb. 9, 2026 at 5:47pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Tennessee basketball star freshman forward Nate Ament has been named the SEC Freshman of the Week for the fifth time this season, the most by any player in program history. Ament averaged 28.5 points and 7.0 rebounds per game in two games last week, including a 29-point performance in a close loss to Kentucky.

Why it matters

Ament's continued dominance and recognition as the SEC's top freshman highlights the young talent on Tennessee's roster and the program's ability to develop elite players under head coach Rick Barnes. His individual success also boosts the Volunteers' chances of making a deep postseason run.

The details

Ament scored 28 points, grabbed 6 rebounds and dished 4 assists in a win over Ole Miss. He followed that up with 29 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists and a steal in a close loss to Kentucky. On the season, the freshman is averaging 17.6 points, 6.5 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game while shooting 42.8% from the field and 33.3% from three-point range.

  • Ament won the SEC Freshman of the Week award on February 9, 2026.
  • Tennessee plays at Mississippi State on February 12, 2026 and hosts LSU on February 15, 2026.

The players

Nate Ament

A freshman forward for the Tennessee Volunteers basketball team who has won the SEC Freshman of the Week award a record five times this season.

Rick Barnes

The head coach of the Tennessee Volunteers basketball team, who has coached 15 SEC Freshman of the Week award winners during his tenure.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

Tennessee will next face Mississippi State on February 12, 2026 and then host LSU on February 15, 2026 in a 'black out' game.

The takeaway

Nate Ament's record-breaking performance and recognition as the SEC's top freshman showcases the wealth of young talent on Tennessee's roster and the program's ability to develop elite players under head coach Rick Barnes, which bodes well for the Volunteers' postseason aspirations.