Why Nate Ament could be the most underrated player in the 2026 NBA Draft originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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While much of the attention surrounding the 2026 NBA Draft has focused on prospects like AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson and Cam Boozer, Tennessee forward Nate Ament may quietly be developing into one of the most underrated players in the entire class.
Ament entered college basketball as a highly regarded five-star recruit, but his name has often been overshadowed by bigger national storylines. Despite that, NBA scouts continue to see enormous upside in the 6-foot-10 wing because of his rare combination of size, perimeter skill and long-term potential.
Ament averaged 16.7 points, 6.3 rebounds and 2.3 assists during his freshman season at Tennessee while starting 35 games for a team that reached the Elite Eight. Those numbers may not immediately jump off the page compared to some of the higher-profile guards in the class, but evaluators believe his versatility and growth trajectory make him one of the more intriguing prospects available.
Scouts are especially fascinated by Ament’s modern NBA skill set. At nearly 6-foot-10, he can handle the ball, create his own shot and defend multiple positions. Draft analysts have compared his offensive style to players such as Franz Wagner and Zaccharie Risacher because of his smooth scoring ability and feel for the game.
Ament could become the hidden gem
What may separate Ament from other prospects is how much improvement he showed late in the season. After struggling with efficiency early in SEC play, he finished the year strongly, averaging close to 20 points per game during Tennessee’s final stretch while improving his three-point shooting. NBA teams often value late-season development because it reflects a player’s ability to adjust and improve against elite competition.
There are still questions about his consistency and physical strength, but his upside remains difficult to ignore. Ament’s blend of size, shooting touch and defensive versatility fits exactly what NBA teams want in today’s game.
If his development continues at its current pace, Nate Ament could eventually become one of the biggest steals of the draft rather than simply a mid-lottery selection.