Tennessee Freshman Nate Ament, 6’10”, Believes He’s Still Growing

Tennessee basketball is gearing up for an exciting season with the arrival of freshman Nate Ament. Standing at 6 feet 10 inches, Ament is a highly touted prospect from Virginia. He is recognized as the No. 2 player in the 2026 recruiting cycle by On3.

Nate Ament: A Unique Talent

Ament’s skill set is impressive. Despite his height, he plays like a guard, showcasing exceptional mobility and athleticism. This versatility allows him to play the small forward position and even slide down to shooting guard when necessary. With a wingspan of 7 feet 1 inch and a standing reach of 9 feet, Ament possesses the physical tools typical of a center.

At just 18 years old, Ament has shown significant growth potential. During a recent appearance on ‘The Mike Keith Show,’ he shared a humorous story about his attempts to dunk during practice, which led to a broken wrist. However, doctors informed him that his growth plates are still open, suggesting he may continue to grow.

Physical Development

• Ament initially weighed less than 200 pounds upon arriving at the University of Tennessee.
• Since joining the program in May, he has gained 20 pounds, including 13.2 pounds while on campus.
• His development has him standing out as a potential “unicorn” among basketball prospects.

Rick Barnes, Tennessee’s head coach, expressed his excitement about welcoming Ament to the team. He emphasized the importance of Ament’s character and family values, which align with the culture at Tennessee. “Nate is a high-character, family-oriented young man with a tremendous, caring support system around him,” Barnes noted.

Looking Forward

As the season approaches, Ament and the Volunteers are set to participate in an exhibition game against Duke. This match will take place on October 26 at 7 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on ESPN2. It is important to note that this game does not count toward either team’s official record.

The first regular season game for Tennessee is scheduled for November 3 against Mercer at 7 p.m. ET, which will be available on SECN+.

With the season ahead, expectations are high for Nate Ament. His rare combination of size, skill, and personality makes him a player to watch closely as he embarks on his promising basketball career at Tennessee.