Tennessee’s Rick Barnes Comments on Nate Ament’s Injury After Alabama Loss
Tennessee basketball faced a challenging setback as wing player Nate Ament suffered a leg injury during their narrow 71-69 defeat against Alabama. The injury occurred with 7:42 left in the first half when Ament fell while attempting to grab a loose ball.
After the incident, Ament was able to walk off the court but headed directly to the locker room. He returned briefly to start the second half, managing to play just over two minutes and score one basket before exiting the game once again.
Rick Barnes Discusses Ament’s Condition
Tennessee head coach Rick Barnes provided insights about Ament’s injury but did not offer a clear update on his status or expected return. Barnes commented on the nature of the injury, stating, “No, I think when he hurt his knee a little bit. But I did think he did tweak the foot he had turned at Missouri, that ankle. He tried. If he can’t go, he can’t go. There’s no one tougher than him.”
This reflects the uncertainty surrounding Ament’s condition, especially after he had previously rolled his right ankle during a loss to Missouri. It remains unclear if Ament is facing a new knee injury or if the ankle injury has worsened.
Ament’s Impact on the Team
Ament has been a vital player for Tennessee this season. Before his injury against Alabama, he averaged 17.9 points per game with a shooting percentage of 41.7% from the field and 32.8% from beyond the arc. Furthermore, he contributes significantly with 6.5 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game.
