Tennessee basketball has landed a major recruit in Five-Star Plus+ forward Nate Ament from Manassas (Va.) Highland. Standing at 6-foot-9 and weighing 185 pounds, Ament picked the Volunteers over a long list of elite programs, including Arkansas, Duke, and Louisville. His commitment marks one of the most significant recruiting wins for head coach Rick Barnes and his staff in recent years, solidifying the future outlook of the Volunteers.
Ament capped off an outstanding senior season by leading Highland to a 42-7 record and the VISAA Division I state championship. His production was consistently impressive, as he averaged 19 points, 10 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game. These performances helped him earn national recognition, including selection as a McDonald’s All-American.
At the McDonald’s All-American events, Ament stood out all week and received high praise from national recruiting analysts. On3’s Jamie Shaw highlighted Ament as one of the most impressive players in attendance, reinforcing his reputation as a top-tier talent in the 2024 class.
Ament’s national breakout moment came during the summer on the adidas 3SSB circuit. In 13 games, he posted 15.4 points, 6.4 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 1.3 steals per game. His shooting percentages were elite—47% from the field, 42% from beyond the arc, and 90% from the free-throw line—showcasing his all-around offensive efficiency.
He becomes the newest addition to a strong Tennessee 2024 recruiting class. The group already includes four-star guard Amari Evans, four-star center Dewayne Brown, and three-star point guard Troy Henderson. Ament’s presence gives the class a significant boost in talent and national credibility.
Scouting-wise, Ament is known for his unique blend of size, skill, and versatility. Jamie Shaw noted that he’s potentially closer to 6-foot-10 and creates constant mismatches with his ability to handle the ball and shoot from range. Few players in his class can match his combination of finesse and basketball IQ.
Unlike some forwards who rely on brute strength, Ament thrives with craft and control. He utilizes his length, soft shooting touch, and patience to operate effectively in isolation, especially from the mid and high post. His offensive game is polished and multifaceted.
Ament is also a strong passer for his position, capable of leading in pick-and-roll situations or delivering sharp passes to open teammates. His basketball instincts allow him to make smart decisions whether he’s scoring or distributing. This makes him a valuable asset in both half-court and transition settings.
Despite his lean frame, Ament isn’t afraid of contact, although he’ll need to continue developing physically at the college level. His frame was tested throughout his All-American week, but he consistently responded with toughness and competitiveness, showing that he’s ready for the next level.
With his commitment to Tennessee, Ament brings elite upside and versatility to the Vols. His ability to impact the game in multiple ways makes him a potential future star in the SEC and a key piece of Tennessee’s ambitions to remain nationally competitive.
