He expressed optimism about Tennessee's potential, envisioning the team as a national championship contender and looking forward to being utilized as an offensive weapon.

During his senior year, he led Highland High School to a 42-8 record and a VISAA Division I Championship, earning Virginia's Gatorade Player of the Year honors.

Despite strong interest from Louisville, Duke, and Arkansas, Tennessee's consistent player development efforts and early interest played a crucial role in Ament's decision.

Impressed by head coach Rick Barnes' track record of developing players into NBA stars, Ament felt a strong connection to the program.

Nate Ament, a highly touted 5-star power forward from the class of 2025, has committed to the University of Tennessee, choosing the Volunteers over prestigious programs like Duke, Arkansas, and Kentucky.

His rise in recruiting rankings has been remarkable, highlighted by his performances in the spring and summer of 2024, where he averaged 15.4 points and shot 47% from the field.

His commitment adds to the legacy of five-star recruits under Barnes, following notable players like Kennedy Chandler and Jaden Springer.

Standing 6-foot-9 and weighing 200 pounds, Ament is recognized for his versatility, strong basketball IQ, and impressive skill set, which includes ball-handling, passing, and shooting.

Ament's accolades include being named a McDonald's All-American and winning gold with the U.S. national team at the FIBA U18 AmeriCup in June 2024.

Barnes expressed excitement about Ament's character and skill set, emphasizing his potential fit within the program.

Ament's decision marks a significant milestone for Tennessee, as he becomes the highest-rated signee in the program's history.

Ament joins a strong recruiting class for Tennessee, which includes fellow 2025 signees Troy Henderson, DeWayne Brown II, and Amari Evans, along with transfers Ja'Kobi Gillespie and Jaylen Carey.