The 2026 NBA Draft will open its first round at 8 p.m. Eastern Time on ABC and ESPN, broadcasting live from the Barclays Center in Brooklyn. Among the names expected to light up the arena is Tennessee point guard Nate Ament, who has been projected as a first‑round selection. The event marks the culmination of a draft cycle that has already seen Volunteers players selected in each of the past five seasons.
A historic streak continues
Rick Barnes, now in his 15th year at the helm of the Volunteers, has overseen 13 players earn NBA draft selections, and the upcoming draft will extend the school’s streak to six consecutive years with at least one pick. Since the program’s inception, 57 Tennessee athletes have been drafted, with 13 of those landing in the first round, underscoring a sustained pipeline from college to the professional ranks.
Joining Ament in the second round are fellow Volunteers Ja’Kobi Gillespie and Felix Okpara. ESPN’s final mock places Gillespie at No. 42 and Okpara at No. 41, reflecting a deepening depth at the program. Both players have been praised for their versatility and defensive intensity, traits that align with modern NBA demands.
Ament’s draft range remains wide, with analysts speculating about potential suitors such as the Nets, Mavericks, and Bucks. The uncertainty stems from his blend of playmaking and shooting, which could fit multiple systems. Regardless of the exact slot, his selection would continue Tennessee’s recent trend of producing high‑impact guards.
The broader context of Tennessee’s NBA history adds weight to these expectations. From early pioneers like Grant Williams and Admiral Schofield to more recent stars such as Jaden Springer and Kennedy Chandler, the Volunteers have consistently contributed talent to the league. Alumni like Dalton Knecht, Julian Phillips, Chaz Lanier, and Jahmai Mashack further illustrate the program’s depth and durability.