Tennessee freshman Nate Ament announced Thursday on Instagram that he is declaring for the 2026 NBA draft after one season with the Volunteers.

Ament was selected to the All-SEC second team, averaging 16.7 points, 6.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists and one steal while shooting 33.3% from 3-point range in 35 games. He ranked 14th in the country in free throws with 196, which were the third-most in a season in program history.

The 6-foot-10 forward recorded 11 20-point games with the Volunteers, ranking second among freshmen in the conference. He finished 14th in scoring among freshmen overall.

Ament is currently considered a possible lottery pick in the draft this year because of his scoring, rebounding and ability to get to the free-throw line. He boasts positional size, enabling him to create mismatches on offense and pull up against most defenders.

The 19-year-old will have the opportunity to improve his draft stock in the coming weeks during workouts and interviews with teams. He also projects to be among the prospects invited to the combine next month in Chicago, Illinois.

Ament is a part of a highly touted draft class with the likes of Darius Acuff Jr., Cameron Boozer, Mikel Brown Jr., AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson and Caleb Wilson projected to be high selections. The group is considered one of the most talented in recent memory.

This article originally appeared on Rookie Wire: Tennessee news: Freshman Nate Ament declares for 2026 NBA draft