Tennessee basketball freshman Nate Ament at practice on Sept. 23, 2025. (Photo via Ryan Sylvia | RTI)
Tennessee basketball welcomes a unicorn of a prospect to campus for its 2025-26 run. Nate Ament, the No. 2 player in the 2026 cycle according to On3, stands at 6-foot-10, but has the skillset of a guard. The lengthy wing trends to play the three for the Vols this year, but could even slide down to play the two if needed, given his rare athleticism for his size.
While he sits just two inches below being a true seven-footer, it still may be in his future. The 18-year-old from Virginia appeared on ‘The Mike Keith Show‘ and was asked if he’s still growing. Ament shared a funny anecdote that led to him learning he might be.
“I think so,” Ament said. “Funny story, I tried to dunk on Jaylen Carey one day in practice and he put me on my butt. I broke my wrist and I was out for like a week or two. I got the X-ray, they said my growth plates were still open, whatever that means. I think I’m still growing. I hope I can maybe grow some facial hair coming in here soon. About tired of the baby face.”
More From RTI: Who Tennessee Basketball Is Hosting On Official Visits For Duke Exhibition Game
Ament got to UT at 6-foot-10, but weighed less than 200 pounds. Since signing, he’s put on 20 pounds, including 13.2 since he officially got to campus in May.
Ament’s wingspan is in the positive, clocking in at 7-foot-1. He owns a 9-foot standing reach to go with it, as well. Despite holding all the attributes (except weight) of a center, he’s proven to be extremely fluid and mobile. The face-up nature of his game works well given his exceptional touch on his jumpshot, as well.
All these tools have Rick Barnes and company extremely excited for what he’ll bring to the table in a likely one-and-done season before entering the 2026 NBA Draft.
“We are ecstatic to welcome Nate Ament and his fantastic family to Rocky Top,” Barnes said in April. “While everyone is aware of just how special a player Nate is, what really drew us to him throughout the recruiting process was the type of person he is. Nate is a high-character, family-oriented young man with a tremendous, caring support system around him who will mesh with our program from day one. He brings a dynamic skill set to the hardwood, embodying the attributes of a modern basketball player.”
Tennessee will be in action this Sunday for an exhibition vs. Duke. Ament considered the Blue Devils in his recruitment, but opted to head to Knoxville instead. Tip-off is slated for Oct. 26 at 7 p.m. ET. It will air on ESPN2 and not count toward either team’s record this year.
The first regular season game is set for Nov. 3 at 7 p.m. ET against Mercer. That will air on SECN+.
