A Historic Night for Volunteer Basketball
The 2026 NBA Draft turned into a celebration for the University of Tennessee, as three of its recent alumni found their names among the selections.
Nate Ament, a true freshman who entered the draft after a standout season, was chosen with the 13th overall pick by the Milwaukee Bucks. His selection marks the highest draft position for a Vol since 2002 and ties into the recent Giannis Antetokounmpo trade, under which he will join the Bucks.
Ja'Kobi Gillespie, a Greenville native who played at three different colleges, was picked 42nd by the San Antonio Spurs. He capped his collegiate career with averages of 18.4 points and 5.4 assists per game, showcasing a versatile skill set that attracted NBA scouts.
Felix Okpara, originally from Lagos, Nigeria, was drafted 46th by the Washington Wizards. He becomes only the second international player from Tennessee to be selected, having compiled 7.5 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks over his college tenure.
All three prospects expressed gratitude and excitement on social media, thanking their families, coaches, and the institutions that helped them reach the NBA.
The draft results underscore the growing pipeline of talent emerging from Tennessee's basketball program, a trend that could influence future recruiting and the Volunteers' national standing.