Nate Ament shines, boosts NBA draft stock with standout performance against Rutgers
As the 2026 NBA Draft approaches, the spotlight remains firmly on three elite prospects: AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson, and Cam Boozer. Yet, the rest of the draft order is still in flux, teeming with promising freshmen talent eager to make their mark. Amidst the excitement of Feast Week in college basketball, the Players Era Festival has emerged as a stage for several top-tier prospects.
Tennessee Volunteers dominate Rutgers
The Tennessee Volunteers kicked off the action with a commanding 85-50 victory over Rutgers. While the game leaned heavily in Tennessee’s favor, the real story was the performance of freshman phenom Nate Ament. Standing at 6-foot-10, Ament turned heads with an electrifying display, racking up 20 points, five rebounds, three assists, and two steals—all in just 28 minutes of play.
Ament showcased his offensive prowess with an impressive shooting performance, hitting 7-of-14 from the field and an eye-catching 4-of-6 from beyond the arc. His ability to score both from inside and out signals a potential transition to the professional level where he could emerge as a go-to scorer for any team.
Polarizing yet productive
Nate Ament’s journey thus far has been marked by mixed opinions among scouts and analysts. Some view him as a potential top-five pick, while others remain uncertain about his long-term potential. However, one thing is clear: Ament has consistently produced for the Volunteers, demonstrating both skill and versatility on the court.
The excitement surrounding Ament continues to build, as he proves to be a player worth watching. With each passing game, he is not just a prospect to keep an eye on; he is a player whose stock is steadily rising in the eyes of NBA scouts.
As the college basketball season unfolds, Nate Ament is establishing himself as one of the most intriguing talents in a loaded freshman class, making a compelling case for his place among the elite prospects in the upcoming draft.
