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Will Nate Ament enter 2026 NBA Draft? Dates to watch for Tennessee star
TL;DR
Tennessee basketball star Nate Ament has not yet declared for the 2026 NBA Draft but is expected to join a strong class of freshmen. His decision is highly anticipated following the Vols' Elite Eight loss to Michigan.
Key points
- Nate Ament is a standout freshman at Tennessee basketball.
- He has not declared for the 2026 NBA Draft yet.
- Ament is projected to be a lottery pick.
- The Vols lost to Michigan in the Elite Eight.
- Ament's future plans are highly anticipated.
Nate AmentTennessee VolunteersNCAA tournament
Will Nate Ament enter 2026 NBA Draft? Dates to watch for Tennessee star
All eyes are fixated on Tennessee basketball's standout freshman Nate Ament.
The projected lottery pick has yet to declare for the 2026 NBA Draft. Ament is expected to join the loaded class, headlined by a number of top freshmen.
Following the Vols' Elite Eight loss to Michigan, an emotional Ament laid out his plans.
"Talking to my coaches and my circle and see what the next step's going to be," he said on March 29.
Here are some dates to watch for Nate Ament's NBA draft timeline.
NBA draft deadlines
Ament has until 11:59 p.m. on April 24 to declare for the NBA draft before the early entry player window closes.
The All-SEC freshman can still maintain his college eligibility, postponing a final decision until May 27. He could either remain in the draft class and forgo his eligibility, or return to Tennessee for his sophomore season.
The NBA draft is split into two nights. The first round takes place on June 23, and the second round is on June 24.
Nate Ament NBA draft stock
Ament entered his freshman season at Tennessee with elevated draft expectations. The 6-foot-10 five-star high school recruit was the No. 4 player in the country in the 247Sports Composite.
When healthy, Ament has lived up to the hype. He shares a draft class other talented forwards, like BYU's AJ Dybansta, Arizona's Koa Peat, Duke's Cameron Boozer, North Carolina's Caleb Wilson and Michigan's Yaxel Lendeborg. Still, his stock throughout SEC play and the postseason floated between the middle and end of the lottery.
Q&A
When is the deadline for Nate Ament to declare for the 2026 NBA Draft?
The specific deadline for declaring for the 2026 NBA Draft has not been disclosed, but it typically occurs in mid-April.
What are Nate Ament's prospects for the 2026 NBA Draft?
Nate Ament is projected to be a lottery pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, highlighting his potential as a top prospect.
How did Nate Ament perform during the NCAA tournament?
Nate Ament's performance was notable, especially in the Elite Eight where the Vols lost to Michigan, leading to his emotional reflection on future plans.
