ESPN’s latest mock draft has placed three Tennessee Volunteers prospects among the names called on the night of the 2026 NBA Draft.
Ament’s Draft Position
Nate Ament is projected to be selected tenth overall by the Milwaukee Bucks. In his freshman season he averaged 16.7 points, 6.3 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game, shooting 39.9% from the field, 33.3% from three‑point range and 79% from the free‑throw line. He scored 20‑plus points in eleven games and posted a career‑high 29 points on three occasions.
Gillespie’s Record and Projection
Ja’Kobi Gillespie is slated to be picked forty‑first by the Miami Heat. He averaged 18.4 points on 41% shooting, including 34% from beyond the arc, while dishing out 5.4 assists and grabbing 2.1 steals per game. His 79 steals set a new single‑season record for the Volunteers.
Okpara’s Senior Impact
Felix Okpara is expected to be chosen forty‑second by the San Antonio Spurs. In his senior year he posted averages of 8 points, 6.3 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game, excelling at guarding quicker guards and wings.
The draft itself will be held at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn on June 23‑24, bringing the excitement of the event to the heart of New York.
Tennessee has seen ten of its players drafted during head coach Rick Barnes’ tenure, underscoring the program’s consistent pipeline to the NBA.