After one year in Knoxville, freshman wing Nate Ament is officially heading to the NBA. The 6-foot-10 prospect was drafted by the Milwaukee Bucks with the 13th overall pick in the NBA Draft on Tuesday night, setting up his official path to the big leagues.
Ament and his family attended the draft live and in person from Brooklyn on Tuesday night. Tennessee head coach Rick Barnes and several members of the Volunteers’ staff also made the trip to share the moment and support Ament’s journey. Barnes was one of the first people to hug and congratulate Ament after commissioner Adam Silver called out his name.
big night in Brooklyn for the future Buck pic.twitter.com/OVOJQyyTPl
— Tennessee Basketball (@Vol_Hoops) June 24, 2026
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After the selection, Milwaukee GM Jon Horst met with the media to discuss the Bucks’ night. Something that Horst said in the press conference will strongly resonate with Tennessee fans who have watched Ament’s growth over the last year.
“I was just texting with Coach Barnes right now and just saying, ‘Hey, thanks for everything you did foundationally. We’re going to take it from here and take care of him.’ But again, Nate’s got to put it in. He’s got to care about it and he does,” Horst said.
The compliments go back and forth. On Wednesday, Tennessee Basketball posted a video of Barnes congratulating Ament and complimenting the Bucks’ program.
“Nate, on behalf of myself, the Tennessee Basketball program, Vol Nation, everyone associated with the University of Tennessee, we’re so proud of you and we’re all blessed that you spent the time you did here with us on Rocky Top,” Barnes said. “Last night was a big night, and I want to congratulate you on being a Milwaukee Buck. I want to congratulate them, too, because I think they got the steal of the draft. I think as time plays out, everything that you and I talked about that you want to do at that level is going to happen. But we’re just so proud of you for being the person you are. I do know that Milwaukee is going to fall in love with you. Glad you’re part of that organization, so many wonderful people there. A great fit for everyone. But again, thank you. Thank you for everything that you did for us and what I know you’ll continue to do. You’re special. Thank you for spending that time with us this past year. Just know that we love you dearly.”
A special message from Coach Barnes. 🧡 pic.twitter.com/exsmVRr5qV
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) June 24, 2026
During his freshman season at Tennessee, Ament averaged 16.7 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 2.3 assists in 35 games. He was named to the SEC All-Freshman Team and landed an All-SEC Second Team selection.
