Nate Ament, a Rising Star with Rwandan Roots, Joins Tennessee

The small forward is ranked in the top four of the 2025 class by the majority of major outlets in the United States. He is the third top-five prep recruit ever to sign with Tennessee, joining Tobias Harris (2010) and Allan Houston (1989).

"Coach [Rick] Barnes sees me as a one-and-done type player; he has done it before with Kevin Durant. He sees me as that kind of guy for his program. I built a great relationship with the coaching staff. I trust them a lot, and they have big goals for me. I think they'll do a great job of developing me as a player and a young man. I trust the coaches to help me get to the next level," said Ament in an exclusive interview with ESPN, appreciating Tennessee coach Rick Barnes after the announcement of Ament's signing to the 2025 class, making the small forward the third top-five prep recruit to sign with the Volunteers.

American NCAA Transfer Portal, On3, tabs Ament as the third-best player in the country, with a 99 grade, while 247Sports, ESPN, and Rivals all slot the 2.05m, 84 kg youngster fourth nationally, with 247Sports also giving him a 99 grade.

Here is what we gathered for you to know about this young Rwandan - rooted prospect:

Born on December 9, 2006, he grew up in Manassas, Virginia, and initially attended Colgan High School. He played as a reserve on the varsity basketball team during his freshman season and scored 53 total points. He averaged 18.2 points and 9.0 rebounds per game as a sophomore.

After joining his high school, during his senior year in 2024, he inked a multi-year endorsement deal with famous American footwear and clothing brand Reebok. The deal was made after ESPN ranked Ament as the No. 8 prospect in the U.S. for the class of 2025, placing him among elite young talents like A.J. Dybantsa, Cameron Boozer, and Darryn Peterson.

Ament has already represented the United States at the junior level, having been part of the 2024 USA Men's U18 national team which won gold at the FIBA U18 AmeriCup in June.

Despite Ament having never been to Rwanda, he launched a signature sneaker inspired by Rwandan colors. He unveiled the signature sneaker during the McDonald’s All-American game on April 1, 2025, becoming his very first edition shoe produced by Reebok, six months after signing a multi-year endorsement deal with the famous American footwear and clothing brand.

He is projected to be a top 3 pick in the 2026 draft and is regarded as one of the best all-around hoopers in his class.

One of just nine players with a five-star nod from all four outlets, Ament is unanimously considered the top player in Virginia in his class. The 13th McDonald's All-American in program history, including the fifth in the last seven classes signed by Barnes, Ament totaled 12 points, three rebounds, one steal, one assist, and a 2-of-2 3-point clip in the game. He will be the 21st McDonald's All-American to play for Barnes in his head coaching career, including the 20th high school signee.

Ament, who was named 2024-25 Gatorade Virginia Player of the Year, became the first individual from a school other than Oak Hill Academy or Paul VI to win the elite distinction since Thon Maker in 2013-14. He averaged 19 points, 10 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game during his final prep campaign.

By Dylan Mugenga