Tennessee Basketball Star Nate Ament Rises in New NBA Mock Draft

Ament jumps up 8 picks in latest NBA mock draft after strong performance against Alabama.

Feb. 1, 2026 at 6:55pm

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Tennessee Volunteers basketball player Nate Ament, a talented forward, has seen his NBA draft stock rise after a strong 29-point performance against Alabama. Previously projected as a top-5 pick, Ament fell out of the top-10 after a rough stretch, but has now jumped up 8 spots and is expected to be selected within the top-15 picks, potentially by the San Antonio Spurs.

Why it matters

Ament's rise in the NBA draft projections is a testament to his talent and potential, and highlights the growth of the Tennessee basketball program under coach Rick Barnes. A strong NBA draft showing could bring more attention and prestige to the Volunteers program.

The details

Ament, a 6'10" forward, struggled with his shooting efficiency and physicality earlier in the season, but has turned things around with a breakout 29-point performance against Alabama. Scouts are intrigued by his unique combination of size, skill, and upside, though some have concerns about his athleticism. The San Antonio Spurs, who hold a pick from the Atlanta Hawks, are seen as a potential landing spot for Ament in the lottery.

  • Ament had a 29-point game against Alabama on January 24, 2026.
  • Ament was previously projected to be a top-5 pick, but fell out of the top-10 after a rough stretch.
  • Ament is now projected to be selected within the top-15 picks in the upcoming NBA draft.

The players

Nate Ament

A 6'10" forward for the Tennessee Volunteers basketball team, Ament is considered a top NBA prospect with a unique combination of size, skill, and upside.

Rick Barnes

The head coach of the Tennessee Volunteers basketball team, who has been instrumental in the program's growth and development of players like Nate Ament.

San Antonio Spurs

An NBA team that holds a pick from the Atlanta Hawks and is seen as a potential landing spot for Nate Ament in the upcoming draft.

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What they’re saying

“Scouts might feel divided about Tennessee freshman Nate Ament, who has struggled with his shooting efficiency in college so far and isn't showing tremendous athleticism. But with his 6-foot-10 frame and a recent 29-point performance against No. 23 Alabama on Jan. 24, it only takes one team to fall in love with what he brings to the table. Maybe the San Antonio Spurs could use this pick from the Atlanta Hawks to swing for the fences on someone with his unique upside.”

— Bryan Kalbrosky

What’s next

The upcoming NBA draft will determine where Nate Ament is selected and which team takes a chance on his unique potential.

The takeaway

Nate Ament's rise in the NBA draft projections showcases the growth of the Tennessee Volunteers basketball program and the potential of a talented player to overcome early struggles and showcase his skills on the big stage.