Thursday night brought some bad news to the Tennessee Vols and Rick Barnes, but it’s for the best that it occurred now.
Nate Ament, the Vols’ star forward, declared on Thursday that he will be participating in the 2026 NBA Draft.
Although Ament has until the end of May to withdraw his name from the draft and maintain his eligibility for college, the way he made the announcement makes it clear that he has no intention of changing his mind.
Ament wrote on Instagram, “I want to devote this post to my Vol family. ” “I have this opportunity largely because of the affection and support of your men. I was able to develop because of you men. Throughout both the highs and lows of the game, you stayed by my side. I will always represent the Vols with great pride. I consider this university to be my home, and it means much more to me than just basketball. Even if I’ve only been here for a year, I will never forget this one.
Ament’s decision to enter the draft is quite understandable, even if Tennessee would undoubtedly love to see him back in orange and white the following year. For the majority of young basketball players, playing in the NBA is a lifelong ambition, and it’s hard to reject if you have a high chance of being selected in the first round.
The positive for the Vols is that Ament’s choice now gives Barnes and his team some clarity about the roster for the upcoming year. Tennessee is still attempting to acquire several of the best portal choices, including Wake Forest transfer Juke Harris. UT is now in a better position to provide Harris with a NIL package since they are aware that Ament is not returning. Additionally, Barnes might help Harris get a clearer picture of what his position with the Vols could be.
It was never very probable that Ament would go back to Tennessee. However, even though this news wasn’t what Tennessee supporters wanted to hear, it’s preferable that it occurred now so that the Vols may be more proactive in their pursuit of Harris and other transfer players.
