VFL Nate Ament wasn’t able to surpass double-digit scoring points in his first three games of the NBA Summer League this month. He scored six points against the Heat, seven points against the Spurs, and eight points against the Suns.
That all changed during Wednesday’s game against the Hornets, though.
With fellow first-round pick Brayden Burries out, Ament was the go-to guy for the Bucks on Wednesday. He recorded a team-high 23 points in 25 minutes on the court, going 7/13 from the floor and 2/7 from three-point range. He also tallied six rebounds, one assist, one turnover, and two steals.
Ament’s scoring on Wednesday resembled the aggression that he found during SEC play with the Vols last season. When he wasn’t knocking down his two three-pointers, Ament was forceful in getting to his spot, whether it be in the mid-range area or in the paint. He used his size and balance to get around and through defenders to find his shot.
Nate hooped tonight.
23 PTS | 6 REB | 2 STL pic.twitter.com/V8UNw9IfDJ
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) July 16, 2026
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It was a bit of an arrival game for the Tennessee wing. While he didn’t have many big scoring numbers in his first three games, Ament showed what it is the Bucks see in him for the long term. The 19-year-old was able to score from all three levels of the court and was assertive in what he wanted to do.
Through four Summer League games so far, Ament is averaging 22.5 minutes, 11.0 points, 4.2 rebounds, 1.0 assists, and 2.2 turnovers per game. He’s also shooting the ball at 50% from the floor and 33% from the three-point line.
Ament’s 11.0 PPG is the fourth-highest scoring average among former Tennessee players in Summer League action this month. He trails only Chaz Lanier (20.3 PPG), Ja’Kobi Gillespie (16.0), and Tyreke Key (13.6). His rebounding average is the third-highest among the 11 VFLs, behind only Igor Milicic (6.0 RPG) and Felix Okpara (4.6 RPG).
Ament and the Bucks are 1-3 in Summer League play.
Stay tuned to Rocky Top Insider for more Tennessee Basketball/NBA Summer League coverage.
