NBA Draft Scouting Report: Tennessee's Nate Ament

Prospect Profile

There’s a lot of mystery surrounding Nate Ament and where he could land in the 2026 NBA Draft. It’s not that he isn’t a phenomenal talent, but his potential draft range could vary quite a bit over the next year. Entering the college season, there’s no doubt he has the potential to be a top-five pick, but it will ultimately come down to how he transitions to the college level, how he fits into Tennessee’s system and how he’s used. NBA teams will want to see exactly what they might be potentially drafting with a very high pick.

What’s interesting about Ament is that in high school, he was a primary creator. He had the ball in his hands a lot, and he excelled in that role. But it remains to be seen whether he’ll get that same opportunity in college, even as Tennessee’s highest-rated recruit ever. And if he does, the question is whether he can thrive in that role against a higher level of competition and more athletic opponents.

The incoming Tennessee freshman stands 6-foot-9 with a fluid handle for a player his size. He’s super smooth and brings a lot of guard and perimeter skills to the wing and forward spots. At the same time, he’s still a bit lean and isn’t the most explosive athlete compared to some of the other top prospects in this class. He doesn’t yet have elite burst or strength, but that can change with a year in a college program and a strong training staff. A year from now, he could look like a different player physically as he prepares for the NBA.

In the meantime, Ament is already a highly efficient scorer, which is exactly what teams want to see. He’s a three-level scorer who can finish at the rim, score in the midrange, and knock down a reliable 3-point shot. Even though he sometimes takes tougher looks, he converts them efficiently, and his decision-making is impressive. Given his size and ability to score in different ways, the versatile forward is intriguing in pick-and-roll actions, both as a handler and as a screener. He has the versatility to play multiple positions at both the college and NBA levels, which only adds to his draft appeal.

Ament is also a high-IQ player and a solid passer for his size. While he isn’t the greatest athlete, he covers ground well, reads opposing offenses, and consistently finds himself in the right spots defensively. His frame can hold him back at times, which is why he’s not yet a great rebounder and can get pushed around by more physical players, but those are areas that should improve with time and added strength. But overall, the defensive side of the ball can be a positive for his draft stock.

He checks all the boxes of an elite player from a background and experience standpoint, too. He’s a McDonald’s All-American, Player of the Year in Virginia, state champion, and a standout for Team USA. He even landed a Reebok NIL deal as a high schooler. He has the pedigree of a star-level talent, and this season at Tennessee will show whether he’s more of an alpha on that squad or more of a complementary piece as a freshman. Either way, there’s no doubt he has All-Star upside at the NBA level.

Highlights

Draft Projection

Top-Five Pick in 2026 NBA Draft.

2026 Big Board

Want to know more about other potential 2026 NBA Draft prospects and where they might get selected? Check out our Draft Digest Big Board.

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