The 2026 NBA Draft is fast approaching, and Tennessee’s basketball program is poised to make a notable imprint on the event. Three Volunteers — Nate Ament, Ja’Kobi Gillespie and Felix Okpara — are slated to hear their names called, each bringing a distinct skill set to the table.
Draft Outlook
Nate Ament, a versatile forward, is generally viewed as a late‑lottery prospect. Analyst Ryan Hammer has placed Ament at No. 24 on his final big board, reflecting a consensus that the player could slip into the latter part of the first round despite a strong collegiate season in which he posted 16.7 points, 6.3 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game.
Ja’Kobi Gillespie, the senior guard, enters the conversation with a higher ranking. Hammer’s big board situates Gillespie at No. 36, just outside the traditional first‑round boundary, underscoring the guard’s 18.4 points, 5.4 assists and 2.8 rebounds per game from his final college year.
Felix Okpara, a transfer from Ohio State, is projected as a late second‑round selection. Known for his rim‑protection abilities, Okpara’s modest 8.0 points and 6.3 rebounds per game belie his defensive impact, a trait that could intrigue teams looking for a shot‑blocking big man.
The trio’s draft trajectories illustrate a broader pattern of Tennessee’s talent pipeline. While Ament’s lottery outlook suggests a potential jump in stature, Gillespie’s near‑first‑round placement highlights a guard who can create and distribute, and Okpara’s defensive profile adds depth to a Volunteers roster that has consistently produced NBA‑ready prospects.