Tennessee Volunteers freshman Nate Ament, a 6-foot-10 lottery pick prospect averaging 17.9 points and 6.5 rebounds this season, exited Saturday's game against Alabama early with a right leg injury, raising concerns for the team's postseason hopes. Coach Rick Barnes indicated possible involvement of both a knee issue and an aggravated prior ankle injury.
No. 22 Tennessee fell 71-69 to No. 17 Alabama in a Southeastern Conference matchup on February 28, 2026, in Knoxville, highlighted by a significant injury to star freshman Nate Ament. The incident occurred with 7:42 remaining in the first half during a scramble for a loose ball, when an Alabama player fell on Ament's leg, causing it to bend awkwardly. Ament walked off under his own power but briefly attempted to return two minutes into the second half before being pulled again.
A team spokesperson listed him as doubtful to return, and he did not re-enter the game. Before the injury, Ament had one basket and three rebounds. Tennessee squandered a double-digit lead in the loss.
Postgame, head coach Rick Barnes updated Ament's condition: "No, I think when he hurt his knee a little bit. But I did think he did tweak the foot he had turned at Missouri, that ankle. He tried. If he can’t go, he can’t go. There’s no one tougher than him." No definitive diagnosis was available, but the injury adds uncertainty to Tennessee's outlook amid their competitive SEC schedule.