Chicago - Decision Time for Nate Ament: Stay or Go?
Nate Ament finds himself at a crossroads after an impressive freshman season with Tennessee basketball. As a projected fringe lottery pick in this summer’s NBA Draft, Ament faces the choice of stepping into the professional arena or returning to Tennessee for another college season.
Despite the buzz surrounding his future, Ament remained tight-lipped during Tennessee’s open locker room session on Sunday.
“Nah,” Ament replied when asked about his decision. “I’m just here with my teammates trying to enjoy as much time as I have with them left.”
He emphasized the importance of consulting with his coaching staff and personal circle before making any moves. “Ultimately, I’m going to talk with the coaching staff and my circle and see what is the best decision for me. But no decisions yet.”
Ament, a standout recruit from the 2025 class, delivered impressive stats with averages of 17 points, 6.4 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and a steal per game. His performance earned him Second Team All-SEC honors, with eight games scoring over 20 points in SEC play.
Draft projections are buzzing, with ESPN predicting the Chicago Bulls might snag Ament with the ninth pick, while CBS Sports suggests he could land with the Milwaukee Bucks at the same spot.
Standing at 6-foot-10, Ament’s season wasn’t without hurdles. Injuries plagued him late, starting with an ankle issue against Missouri on Feb. 24, followed by further ankle and knee troubles against Alabama. These setbacks sidelined him for the final 2.5 games of the regular season, clearly affecting his performance.
Postgame, Ament mentioned that surgery doesn’t seem necessary but plans to reassess with Tennessee’s medical team. When questioned about his health during the season’s end, he deflected, choosing instead to commend Michigan’s efforts.
“I don’t want to give any excuses and say that I’ve been playing anything but 100%,” Ament stated. “It definitely wasn’t the injury why I didn’t play well today.
I just couldn’t get it done and I’m not going blame it on the injury. It’s all me.
I didn’t do my job to the best of my ability.”
Michigan’s Yaxel Lendeborg proved a formidable opponent, limiting Ament to just seven points on two-of-12 shooting, leading to Ament fouling out after 31 minutes.
Throughout the season, Ament has been lauded by Tennessee’s coaches and teammates for both his talent and character. Reflecting on his freshman year, he expressed gratitude.
“It’s been everything,” Ament shared. “From the fans to my teammates to the coaching staff, I couldn’t ask for a better program or better fanbase.
They have given me all they’ve had and I appreciate them so much. I just want them to know that I appreciate them.”
As Ament weighs his options, the basketball world watches closely, eager to see where his journey will lead next.