Tennessee's Rick Barnes Sees Nate Ament's Injury as Potential 'Blessing in Disguise'

The star freshman will get valuable rest before the Vols' postseason push.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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Tennessee basketball coach Rick Barnes believes the right leg injury suffered by star freshman Nate Ament could be a "blessing in disguise" for the team as they prepare for the postseason. Ament, who has played heavy minutes this season, will get valuable time to rest and recover before the Vols' final regular-season game and the SEC Tournament.

Why it matters

Ament has been a key contributor for Tennessee this season, but the heavy minutes load has taken a toll. This injury provides an opportunity for him to rest and recover before the most important part of the season, which could benefit the team's postseason chances.

The details

Ament suffered a right leg injury during Tennessee's loss to Alabama on Saturday. He exited the game in the first half and played just two minutes in the second half. The Vols announced on Monday that Ament would miss their game against South Carolina on Tuesday. Coach Barnes believes the injury is more of a high-ankle sprain than a knee issue, and said Ament wanted to play but the medical staff decided it was best for him to sit out.

  • Ament suffered the injury during Tennessee's loss to Alabama on Saturday, March 2.
  • Ament missed Tennessee's game against South Carolina on Tuesday, March 4.
  • Tennessee hosts Vanderbilt on Saturday, March 9 for their final regular-season game.
  • The SEC Tournament begins the following week in Nashville.

The players

Nate Ament

A five-star freshman and key contributor for the Tennessee Volunteers basketball team.

Rick Barnes

The head coach of the Tennessee Volunteers basketball team.

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What they’re saying

“I've said I don't think anybody's gotten beat up in college basketball more than Nate Ament this year, I don't. But he's never complained about it one time. I'm the one that's complained about it because I think it's real.”

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

“He wanted to play the other night. Obviously doctors didn't think it was the wisest thing to do. I can tell you, if it were up to him, he would have played today. Obviously, the right decision was not to play him.”

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

What’s next

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The takeaway

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