Nate Ament, a 6‑foot‑9 versatile forward from Highland School in Virginia, emerged as one of the most coveted prospects in the 2025 class. A consensus top-five recruit, he drew interest from Duke, Louisville, Kentucky, Arkansas, and Tennessee . His skillset—ball handling, shooting, basketball IQ, length—had scouts projecting him as a high NBA pick .
In late March, Ament narrowed his list to Duke, Louisville, Kentucky, Arkansas, and Tennessee—later confirming he wouldn’t announce at the McDonald’s All‑American Game, delaying the reveal until early April . Rumors circulated heavily: Louisville seemed in the lead, then Duke, while Kentucky also made a major pitching effort.
On Easter Sunday, ESPN and On3 broke the news: Ament committed to the University of Tennessee Volunteers, choosing them over Duke, Louisville, Kentucky, and Arkansas . His decision sends shockwaves through the recruiting world, as he becomes the highest‑rated recruit in program history .
Ament shared his trust in Rick Barnes and the coaching staff, noting their proven track record of developing NBA-ready talents like Kevin Durant . Tennessee’s system promises immediate role, high-level coaching, and “a coach that believes in me,” key factors Ament said influenced his decision .
ESPN credited Ament with catapulting Tennessee into their top-25 recruiting classes for 2025, calling it “the single‑biggest commitment of the spring” . Analysts liken the momentum to past Vols legends, even drawing comparisons to Bernard King . Tennessee now boasts a class full of high‑ceiling talent ready to compete in the SEC immediately.
Now a McDonald’s All‑American and projected first-round NBA Draft talent, Ament arrives in Knoxville with star expectations . He’s ready to continue growing under Barnes’ tutelage—combining his multi‑faceted game with a mentally and physically demanding college experience.
