Tennessee freshman Nate Ament is no longer just a promising piece of the puzzle - he’s becoming the focal point. Over the last few weeks, the 6-foot-10 wing has taken a major leap, evolving from a solid contributor into one of the SEC’s most dangerous offensive weapons. And as the Vols gear up for the stretch run of conference play, Ament’s rise couldn’t be better timed.
Let’s talk numbers first - because they’re eye-popping. Over his last five games, Ament is averaging 25.4 points per contest.
He’s hit the 29-point mark twice during that stretch, and both came in hostile environments - once at Kentucky and again at Alabama. That’s not just production; that’s poise under pressure.
Since January 6, Ament hasn’t scored fewer than 17 points in a game. Compare that to the six games before that, where he averaged just 11.1 points, and you start to see just how fast the freshman is climbing.
What’s changed? For starters, Ament is clearly more aggressive in seeking out his shot.
But he’s not forcing it - there’s a maturity in how he picks his spots. He’s learning in real time, adjusting to the speed and physicality of SEC basketball, and figuring out how to impose his will without disrupting the flow of Tennessee’s offense.
It’s the kind of development coaches dream about with young players. If you’ve been watching the Vols lately, you’ve seen it - this kid is growing up right in front of us.
That growth hasn’t gone unnoticed. ESPN analysts Jeff Borzello and Myron Medcalf recently updated their rankings of the top 10 freshmen in college basketball, and Ament cracked the list at No.
- He’s now the second-highest ranked SEC freshman, trailing only Arkansas’ Darius Acuff Jr. at No.
- And that ranking came before his 29-point explosion at Rupp Arena - a performance that likely would’ve bumped him even higher had it come a day earlier.
Medcalf didn’t shy away from pointing out that Ament’s early-season performances left room for doubt. At times, he faded in big moments.
But that narrative is shifting - fast. Over Tennessee’s recent four-game winning streak against Alabama, Georgia, Auburn, and Ole Miss, Ament averaged 24.5 points while shooting 44% from three.
That’s elite efficiency for anyone, let alone a freshman. And it’s not just the scoring - it’s the matchup problems he creates.
Ament’s size, shooting touch, and ability to put the ball on the floor make him a nightmare to guard. As Medcalf put it, he’s becoming a serious problem for any team Tennessee might face come March.
Even in Tennessee’s recent loss to Kentucky - a game that snapped their win streak - Ament was the one keeping them afloat. He poured in 29 points to go with eight rebounds and three assists.
With Ja’Kobi Gillespie going quiet in the second half, Ament shouldered the offensive load. It wasn’t enough to pull out the win, but it was another reminder of just how vital he’s become to this team.
Looking ahead, Tennessee’s hopes in the SEC - and beyond - are going to hinge in large part on Ament’s continued growth. Gillespie has the ability to catch fire and deliver clutch buckets, but Ament’s all-around offensive game gives the Vols a consistent threat they can lean on.
He gets to the line, hits from deep, and isn’t afraid of the moment. That’s a rare combination for a freshman.
Tennessee’s next test comes on the road at Mississippi State on Wednesday night. If recent trends hold, expect Ament to be front and center once again. The Vols are finding their rhythm, and with Ament playing at this level, they’ve got a weapon who can swing games - and maybe even seasons.