When it comes to the NBA Draft, few prospects have sparked as much debate this season as Tennessee's freshman forward, Nate Ament. The journey to pinpoint Ament's draft position has been a rollercoaster, with scouts and analysts taking a keen interest in his evolving game.
Initially, Ament was a bit of a puzzle. ESPN's Jeremy Woo described him as "one of the most difficult prospects to peg," highlighting the mixed reactions from NBA scouts during the first half of his season. Despite these challenges, Woo projected Ament to go No. 7 overall to the Charlotte Hornets in his January mock draft.
Ament's early struggles were evident in his shooting efficiency, posting a 52.9% true shooting percentage and a 28.8% clip from beyond the arc. His athleticism didn't quite pop on the court, raising questions about his ability to create scoring opportunities and make an impact off the ball. The buzz suggested Ament might be better suited as a power forward rather than a wing, with scouts eager to see if he could shake off his slump in the latter half of the season.
At the time of Woo's initial projection, Ament was averaging 12.7 points and 4.0 rebounds in his first three conference games, shooting 45.8% from the field. His early numbers included 10 fouls and eight turnovers, showcasing his adjustment pains to the college level.
Fast forward nine games, and Ament has flipped the narrative. He's emerged as a standout not just in the SEC, but nationally, with averages of 22.8 points and 6.6 rebounds.
His shooting has improved significantly, now at 44.3% overall and 37.1% from three-point range, along with an 83% free-throw percentage. His playmaking has also taken a step forward with 2.7 assists per game.
Woo's updated draft board still ranks Ament at No. 7, acknowledging that while his top-five preseason hype has cooled slightly, his lottery potential remains strong. Ament's combination of size, versatility, and skill set as a "jumbo skill player" makes him a tantalizing prospect for NBA teams.
The narrative around Ament's growth at Tennessee is one of patience and adaptation. He's been tasked with a heavy playmaking role on a team with limited offensive creators, a challenge that has likely contributed to his initial struggles. Yet, his ability to rise above defenders and his improving shooting touch are skills that translate well to the next level.
As the 2026 NBA Draft approaches, with the lottery set for May 10 and the Draft Combine following shortly after, all eyes will be on Ament's continued development. Tennessee, currently sitting at 18-7 overall, will next face Oklahoma, providing another stage for Ament to showcase his talents. Keep your eyes peeled, because Ament's journey from a challenging start to a potential NBA lottery pick is a story still unfolding.