ESPN Ranks Nate Ament Among College Basketball’s Top Freshmen
Nate Ament, a freshman basketball player at the University of Tennessee, is making a significant impact during his inaugural season. As the Volunteers prepare for a crucial rivalry game against Kentucky, Ament has demonstrated considerable potential, notching impressive statistics throughout the season.
Nate Ament’s Season Performance
In the first 17 games, Ament has averaged:
- 15.4 points per game
- 6.4 rebounds per game
- 2.5 assists per game
Ament has faced challenges with consistency, particularly against ranked teams. However, his recent performances indicate a positive trend. Notably, he scored 17 points in a loss to Florida and followed that up with 23 points in a thrilling double-overtime victory against Texas A&M.
Coaching Insights
Assistant coach Gregg Polinsky commented on Ament’s growth, noting that “when Nate lets go of the reins a little bit, he’s really good.” Polinsky praised Ament’s key shots in clutch moments, emphasizing the significance of his desire to take control during critical stretches of the game.
Ament Recognized Among Top Freshmen
ESPN analyst Jeff Borzello highlighted Ament’s performance in a recent ranking of college basketball’s top freshmen. While Ament was categorized in the ‘Rest of the Best’, he has shown remarkable ability, particularly early in the season when he averaged 19.0 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 3.2 assists over his first six games.
Despite facing some inconsistency as the season progressed, Ament still maintains an average of 14.9 points. This performance places him in a competitive group of SEC players, alongside notable names such as:
- Darius Acuff Jr. (Arkansas PG)
- Maleek Thomas (Arkansas guard)
- Amari Allen (Alabama forward)
NBA Draft Prospects
As the season unfolds, Ament’s NBA prospects remain bright. Although his stock has slightly declined since early projections, he is currently projected to be selected 7th overall by the Charlotte Hornets in ESPN’s latest mock draft.
Head coach Rick Barnes praised Ament’s work ethic and preparation. He noted that despite facing challenges with physicality at the collegiate level, Ament has shown resilience and improvement, working diligently to adapt to the demands of college basketball.
Upcoming Game
No. 24 Tennessee will face off against Kentucky in a highly anticipated matchup on Saturday at noon in the Food City Center. Fans can look forward to live coverage and updates from Filmogaz.com.
