Nate Ament, 6’10” Tennessee Freshman, Believes He’s Still Growing
Tennessee basketball is poised for an exciting season with the addition of freshman Nate Ament. Standing at 6 feet 10 inches, Ament is regarded as one of the top talents in the 2026 recruiting cycle, ranked as the No. 2 player by On3. His impressive skill set resembles that of a guard, showcasing versatility that could see him playing both small forward and shooting guard positions.
Nate Ament’s Growth and Development
Ament, who hails from Virginia, recently shared on ‘The Mike Keith Show’ that he believes he may still be growing. At just 18 years old, Ament encountered growth plate remains during a recent injury, which supports the possibility of additional height. Despite his towering stature, he initially weighed under 200 pounds but has since added 20 pounds, with 13.2 pounds gained since arriving on campus in May. His current weight enhances his athletic profile, making him a dynamic presence on the court.
Impressive Physical Attributes
- Height: 6’10”
- Wingspan: 7’1″
- Standing Reach: 9’0″
Known for his impressive fluidity and mobility, Ament has the attributes typical of a center while maintaining the finesse of a guard. His face-up game and exceptional shooting touch set him apart and have drawn considerable attention from the coaching staff, including head coach Rick Barnes.
Expectations for the Upcoming Season
Tennessee’s coaching staff is enthusiastic about Ament’s potential impact during his likely one-and-done season before entering the 2026 NBA Draft. Barnes expressed excitement about Ament, praising not only his basketball skills but also his character. “We are ecstatic to welcome Nate Ament and his fantastic family to Rocky Top,” Barnes remarked.
The Tennessee Volunteers will kick off their exhibition season against the Duke Blue Devils on October 26 at 7 p.m. ET. Ament entertained the possibility of joining Duke during recruitment but ultimately chose to contribute to the Tennessee program. This highly anticipated matchup will air on ESPN2 but will not count toward the teams’ official records.
The regular season starts shortly after, with the Volunteers facing Mercer on November 3 at 7 p.m. ET. Fans can catch the game on SECN+. With Ament’s development and potential in mind, this season promises to be one for the books for Tennessee basketball.
