From humble beginnings, former Tennessee star Nate Ament embraced his role with the Volunteers through both up and down moments. While the season may not have started the way he wanted it to, Ament kept working throughout the year and eventually developed into being one of the top stars in the SEC. By the time his freshman season wrapped up, Ament had helped Tennessee build an Elite Eight team, while becoming an All-SEC Freshman Team and All-SEC Second Team selection in the process.
Now he embarks on a new journey after being selected with the 13th overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft by the Milwaukee Bucks. The organization chose Ament to help usher in a new era for Bucks basketball after trading superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo just one day before the draft.
Ament’s work ethic and raw potential have him as one of the more intriguing young players in the NBA. But he’s not satisfied just making it to the league or being a trendy talking point. Ament has lofty goals ahead of him.
“I don’t want to sound too cool, because this is an amazing opportunity and I’m super blessed to have it,” Ament said on the NBA Draft show Tuesday, when asked how he was keeping his collected composure so well after being drafted just minutes before. “I just think, for me, this is just a means to an end. I’m getting ready to step into something that I’ve been working toward my whole life. I didn’t work just to get drafted; I worked to be one of the best players of all time. So, for me, I’m just thinking about the work that needs to be done. Obviously, enjoy the night, but just thinking about getting to my city and getting right to work.”
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Ament’s not all about the flash, like you see with some players around the league. He’s grounded in a strong family, strong relationships, and a strong work ethic. He’ll enjoy the moments when they come, but it was always right back to work during his lone season at Tennessee.
One of the things said during the NBA Draft was that playing for Houston’s Kelvin Sampson is like going through the Navy SEALs of college basketball. And by all accounts, that is a fair analogy. But for those with inside knowledge of the Tennessee basketball program, you also know that Rick Barnes’ program is no walk in the park. It’s a gruelling process designed to build players both on and off the court.
Looking at it in hindsight, Barnes’ Tennessee program was a perfect fit for Ament’s lone collegiate season. It was a place that gave him the time, space, and opportunity to grow throughout the year, but also one that helped shape and mold his already built-in characteristics, so that when a moment like the NBA Draft came, it would be followed with the right mentality. While some players get caught up in the lights, cameras, and action, Ament’s training leads him to stay grounded in his goals.
Nate Ament will get his first action in a Milwaukee Bucks uniform during NBA Summer League action in the next few weeks. Stay tuned to Rocky Top Insider for more Tennessee Basketball news, notes, and coverage.
