Nate Ament hesitates on NBA Draft declaration after Tennessee elimination
Nate Ament, Tennessee's freshman star, remains evasive about his NBA Draft intentions following the crushing 95-62 defeat against Michigan in the NCAA tournament Elite Eight.
Tennessee forward Nate Ament (10) walks off the court as Michigan players celebrate their Final Four berth behind him after a NCAA Tournament Elite 8 game between Tennessee and Michigan at the United Center in Chicago on March 29, 2026.
Photo Credit : © Brianna Paciorka/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Nate Ament’s season at Tennessee ended abruptly with the 95-62 loss to Michigan in the Elite Eight of the men’s NCAA tournament. The 6’10 » power forward, considered a potential lottery pick, experienced a difficult evening at Chicago’s United Center with only 7 points on 2-of-12 shooting before fouling out.
Immediately after the game, the freshman did not wish to discuss his professional future. « No, I don’t really want to look ahead, » he stated. « I just want to be here with my team right now. » An understandable emotional reaction after the premature elimination of the Volunteers, the #6 seed.
Nate Ament going to WORK 💼#MarchMadness @Vol_Hoops pic.twitter.com/hn0jT4QU7m
— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) March 22, 2026
A promising season despite an ankle injury
Moments later, Ament softened his initial position regarding his future plans. « I’m going to talk with my coaches and my circle to see what the next step will be, » he added, hinting at a possible NBA Draft declaration.
The Native American had a remarkable first college season averaging 16.7 points and 6.3 rebounds in 29.8 minutes per game. His performances were disrupted by an ankle sprain suffered in late February, which affected his output during the final SEC regular season games and in the postseason.
Despite this injury, Ament described this year as « one of the best years of my life, » highlighting « the guys and the locker room » as well as « how I’ve grown and the people I’ve met. » Coach Rick Barnes, who confirmed his return next season, spent extra time in the locker room after the defeat.
If Ament were to declare for the NBA Draft, he would become Tennessee’s first lottery pick since Marcus Haislip, selected 13th overall in 2002. A decision that should come in the coming weeks, after consultation with his coaching staff and inner circle.
With a background in sports management, Nicolas Flamecourt covers NBA news with a particular passion for the North American league, which he has been following for several years. He also covers the NCAA, including news and scouting of future prospects, and regularly conducts interviews with French players as well as players competing in Europe.
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