Tennessee basketball has secured a monumental addition to its 2025 recruiting class with the commitment of five-star small forward Nate Ament. Ament’s rise to the No. 2 overall spot in On3’s final 2025 rankings marks a historic moment for the Volunteers, as he becomes the highest-ranked recruit in program history .
Ament’s Ascent to Elite Status
Standing at 6-foot-9, Ament’s journey to the top of the rankings is a testament to his dedication and skill development. Originating from Manassas, Virginia, he began focusing on basketball during the COVID-19 pandemic, using the time to train rigorously with local trainer Chauncey Beckett . His efforts paid off as he led Highland School to a 42-7 record and a VISAA Division I state title, averaging 19 points, 10 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game in his senior year .
Ament’s performance on the Adidas 3SSB circuit further elevated his profile, where he averaged 15.4 points, 6.4 rebounds, and shot an impressive 42% from three-point range . His versatility and shooting prowess have drawn comparisons to NBA stars like Kevin Durant and Jayson Tatum .
Impact on Tennessee’s Recruiting Class
Before Ament’s commitment, Tennessee’s 2025 recruiting class was ranked No. 42 nationally. His addition catapulted the class to No. 9 overall and No. 4 in the SEC, with a class score of 94.90 . Ament joins a talented group of signees, including four-star shooting guard Amari Evans, four-star center Dewayne Brown, and three-star point guard Troy Henderson.
The Volunteers have also bolstered their roster through the NCAA Transfer Portal, adding Maryland point guard Ja’Kobi Gillespie and Vanderbilt power forward Jaylen Carey . These strategic acquisitions position Tennessee as a formidable contender in the upcoming season.
Scouting Report: Ament’s Skill Set
On3’s national recruiting analyst Jamie Shaw describes Ament as possessing “a basketball player’s frame” with “good length and excellent positional size.” His versatility allows him to be comfortable on the ball at each level, and his passing and processing are highlighted as his most intriguing attributes .
Ament’s shooting range extends beyond 28 feet, and he has a quick release on his shots. While he lacks explosive speed, his ability to utilize his dribble to get to various spots on the floor makes him a constant threat. His rebounding skills and unselfish play further enhance his value on the court (On3).
Looking Ahead: Ament’s Potential at Tennessee
Ament’s commitment not only elevates Tennessee’s recruiting class but also sets high expectations for the program’s future. ESPN NBA Draft analyst Jonathan Givony believes Ament has the potential to be the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, stating, “Some NBA scouts think he could end up being the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. He has that kind of talent” (On3).
As Tennessee prepares for the upcoming season, Ament’s presence is expected to have an immediate impact. His combination of size, skill, and basketball IQ positions him as a cornerstone for the Volunteers’ aspirations in the SEC and beyond.
Conclusion
Nate Ament’s rise to the No. 2 spot in On3’s 2025 rankings and his commitment to Tennessee signify a new era for Volunteers basketball. His journey from a pandemic-induced focus on basketball to becoming one of the nation’s top recruits is a story of resilience and determination. As he steps onto the court in Knoxville, the basketball world will be watching to see how this promising talent shapes the future of Tennessee basketball.
