Tennessee freshman Nate Ament is officially on the national radar-and not just for what he’s doing in Knoxville. The 6-foot-10 small forward has been named to the Midseason Top 10 Watch List for the Julius Erving Award, which honors the top small forward in Division I men’s basketball. That puts him in elite company and firmly in the conversation as one of the most dynamic wings in the country.
Named after the Hall of Famer and basketball icon Julius “Dr. J” Erving, the award recognizes the complete package at the small forward spot-length, versatility, scoring, defense, and that all-important ability to impact the game on both ends.
Ament’s inclusion is notable not just because of his production, but because he’s one of only three freshmen to make the cut. He joins BYU’s A.J.
Dybantsa and Baylor’s Tounde Yessoufou as the youngest names on a list that’s typically dominated by upperclassmen.
What’s making Ament stand out? Let’s start with the numbers.
He’s averaging 17.1 points, 6.4 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.1 steals per game. That’s not just solid-it’s leading-the-team-in-multiple-categories kind of production.
He’s Tennessee’s top rebounder and their most consistent presence at the free throw line. That speaks to his aggressiveness, his willingness to play through contact, and his ability to stay composed at the stripe-traits you don’t always see in a first-year player.
And when the lights get brighter in SEC play, Ament has turned it up another notch. He’s putting up 19.6 points, 5.7 boards, and 2.3 assists per game against conference opponents.
That’s not just maintaining his level-it’s elevating it when the competition gets tougher. For a freshman in one of the most physical leagues in college basketball, that’s a statement.
He’s also one of just three SEC players on the Erving Award watch list, alongside Florida’s Thomas Haugh and Texas’ Dailyn Swain. That’s a testament to how well Ament’s game is translating at the highest level of college hoops. His size gives him a matchup advantage on the wing, and he’s shown the ability to stretch the floor, attack off the dribble, and defend multiple positions.
Ament’s skill set fits the modern game-he’s long, mobile, and can create offense in a variety of ways. But it’s his poise and consistency that are turning heads.
For Tennessee, he’s become a focal point, not just a promising piece. And nationally, he’s now being recognized as one of the premier small forwards in the game.
With the season entering its stretch run, Ament’s presence on this list is more than a midseason nod-it’s a signal that he’s arrived, and he’s here to stay.