Rwandan-American forward Nate Ament has been selected 13th overall in the 2026 NBA Draft, with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver announcing his name at Barclays Center in Brooklyn on Tuesday night. The 19-year-old, who played college basketball at the University of Tennessee, was originally selected by the Miami Heat before his draft rights were traded to the Milwaukee Bucks.
Born in the United States to a Rwandan mother and an American father, Ament arrives in the NBA as one of the most highly regarded forwards of his class following a rapid rise through elite high school and college basketball.
Early rise on the international stage
Ament first emerged on the international scene after helping Team USA win gold at the 2024 FIBA U18 AmeriCup. His performances there highlighted his versatility and all-around potential, setting the stage for his rise as a top national recruit.
By the time he completed high school, Ament had established himself as one of the most sought-after players in the United States, finishing as the No. 4 overall prospect in the ESPN Class of 2025 rankings.
He also earned major national recognition, including McDonald’s All-American honors, a Jordan Brand Classic selection, and participation in the Nike Hoop Summit, events reserved for elite young talent.
High school dominance in Virginia
Ament’s development accelerated at Highland School in Virginia, where he became a standout two-way forward. As a junior, he averaged 19.3 points, 7.8 rebounds, 4.0 blocks, and 3.7 assists per game, showcasing rare production across multiple categories.
His combination of size, skill, and defensive presence earned him Virginia Gatorade Player of the Year honors as a senior, further cementing his reputation as one of the country’s premier high school players.
Immediate impact at Tennessee
At the University of Tennessee, Ament made an immediate transition to the college level. He started all 35 games in his freshman season and quickly became one of the team’s most reliable contributors.
According to NBA records, he was in the starting lineup for all 35 games he played. He averaged 16.7 points, 6.3 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 1.1 steals per game, while shooting 40% from the field, 33% from three-point range, and 79% from the free-throw line. His consistency on both ends of the floor helped Tennessee maintain a competitive presence throughout the season.
Ament finished second on the team in scoring and tied for the lead in rebounds, delivering one of the strongest freshman campaigns in recent program history. His performances earned him Second-Team All-SEC honors as well as a place on the SEC All-Freshman Team.
Playing style and strengths
Standing at 6’10”, Ament is regarded as a modern forward with a rare blend of size, ball-handling ability, and playmaking skills. He is comfortable initiating offense, attacking closeouts, and creating mismatches against slower defenders.
He also shows strong passing instincts, allowing him to operate as a secondary or primary creator in certain offensive sets. His ability to draw fouls adds another dimension to his scoring profile.
Defensively, Ament brings length, mobility, and switchability. His instincts allow him to guard multiple positions, and his activity level makes him effective in helping with defense situations.
While his perimeter shooting remains a developing area, scouts believe his shooting mechanics and touch provide long-term upside.
NBA projection and comparisons
Ament is projected as a high-upside, multi-positional forward who can function in pick-and-roll systems and secondary creation roles. His skill set fits the modern NBA emphasis on versatility and spacing.
Analysts view him as a long-term development project with strong potential, especially if his outside shooting continues to improve.
His game has drawn comparisons to versatile forwards such as Brandon Ingram and Andrew Wiggins due to his combination of size, fluid movement, and scoring versatility.
Career highlights
- 2025–26 All-SEC Second Team
- 2025–26 SEC All-Freshman Team
- McDonald’s All-American (2024)
- Nike Hoop Summit participant
- Jordan Brand Classic selection
- USA Basketball U18 AmeriCup Gold Medalist (2024)
- No. 4-ranked recruit in ESPN Class of 2025
Personal background
Ament’s mother, Godelive, is from Rwanda, while his father, Albert, is a former college basketball player and Wayne State University Hall of Famer.
Off the court, he enjoys golf and pickleball. He has also cited NBA stars Kevin Durant, Jayson Tatum, Paolo Banchero, and Cade Cunningham as some of his favorite players.
Coach’s praise
Tennessee head coach Rick Barnes has praised Ament as an unselfish and intelligent player, emphasizing his strong character and team-first mentality. According to Barnes, Ament represents the type of player who positively impacts a program both on and off the court.
Nate Ament’s selection at No. 13 marks the beginning of a new chapter in his career. With a strong foundation built through elite high school competition, a productive college season, and advanced versatility for his age, he enters the NBA as one of the most closely watched young forwards in the 2026 class.
