ESPN Ranks Nate Ament Among College Basketball’s Top Freshmen

Tennessee Basketball freshman Nate Ament has emerged as a notable player during his initial collegiate season. As the Volunteers gear up for a pivotal rivalry game against Kentucky, Ament’s performance has attracted significant attention.

Nate Ament’s Performance in College Basketball

Through 17 games, Nate Ament boasts impressive averages of 15.4 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game. Despite facing challenges in maintaining consistency, he is showing signs of improvement.

• Recent Games: In his last two Southeastern Conference (SEC) contests, Ament scored 17 points in a loss to Florida and 23 points in a thrilling double-overtime victory against Texas A&M.
• Key Moments: Ament’s late-game performance against Texas A&M showcased his ability to rise to the occasion, hitting crucial shots in crunch-time situations.

Coach’s Insights

Assistant coach Gregg Polinsky praised Ament’s desire to take control of the game. “When Nate just kinda lets go of the reins a little bit, he’s really good,” Polinsky noted. This mindset has been pivotal in Ament’s recent successes.

Ament Among College Basketball’s Top Freshmen

ESPN recently highlighted Ament in their rankings of college basketball’s top freshmen. Although he fell short of the top tiers, he was included in the ‘Rest of the Best’ category.

• Early Season Performance: Ament started strong, averaging 19 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 3.2 assists in his first six games.
• Current Season Average: He currently averages 14.9 points for the season.

NBA Draft Prospects

Ament’s NBA prospects have shifted since earlier projections. Despite a decline in stock, recent mock drafts still position him as a potential lottery pick, with a current projection of 7th overall to the Charlotte Hornets.

Upcoming Rivalry Matchup

No. 24 Tennessee is set to face Kentucky on Saturday afternoon at the Food City Center. This matchup is highly anticipated, and fans eagerly await Ament’s performance as part of the Volunteers’ roster.

Stay updated with El-Balad for live coverage and insights into the game. Expectations are high for Ament and his teammates as they strive for victory in this intense rivalry.