Nate Ament, the 6‑foot‑10 forward who starred for the Tennessee Volunteers, was selected 13th overall by the Milwaukee Bucks in the 2026 NBA Draft, marking the first lottery pick of Rick Barnes’ tenure at the university.
A New Chapter
During his lone season in Knoxville, Ament averaged 16.7 points, 6.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists and a steal per game over 35 appearances, shooting 33.3% from three and 79% from the free‑throw line. He posted a 12‑game stretch in which he scored 22 points per contest before an ankle injury sidelined him for the final two regular‑season games.
The buzz surrounding Ament stems not only from his statistical output but also from the comparisons to Kevin Durant, a player whose frame and skill set have long inspired coaches and analysts alike. Barnes, who mentored Ament at Tennessee, has praised the forward’s defensive potential and scoring instincts, noting that the youngster’s work ethic could translate well to the NBA’s physical demands.
Ament’s game still requires refinement, particularly his three‑point shooting consistency and ability to handle the faster, more rugged NBA schedule. Yet his upside remains high, and the Bucks are betting that his upside, coupled with a strong supporting cast, will yield a quick impact.
The forward’s journey from Manassas, Virginia, through Highland High School and onto the Volunteers has been marked by steady progression. As he prepares for his rookie campaign, Ament joins a Milwaukee roster that includes veterans such as Jaden Springer, Grant Williams and Marcus Haislip, all of whom could provide mentorship as he adjusts to the professional game.