The Tennessee Volunteers wrapped up a stellar season under head coach Rick Barnes, finishing fifth in the final AP rankings and making it all the way to the Elite Eight, powered by a deep, experienced roster.
Posting a 30-8 record in the SEC is no small achievement and reflects Barnes’ success both in the transfer portal and in player development. But with that chapter closing, Tennessee is entering a period of transition—and there’s plenty of uncertainty about what the team will look like next.
Nearly all of the key contributors from the 2024–25 squad are moving on. According to KenPom, Tennessee’s top six players in terms of usage—Zakai Zeigler, Chaz Lanier, Igor Milicic Jr., Jordan Gainey, Darlinstone Dubar, and Jahmai Mashack—were all seniors.
In short, the Vols are heading into next season with a blank slate. Players like Felix Okpara and Cade Phillips are expected to see increased roles, but the core identity of the team is still unknown. However, Barnes has already started reloading.
He’s made an early splash in the transfer market, landing veteran guard Ja’Kobi Gillespie from Maryland after Kevin Willard’s messy exit. On top of that, Barnes secured a huge recruiting win, landing five-star forward Nate Ament—a 6-foot-11 standout ranked No. 4 in the 2025 class by 247Sports.
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But Ament’s time in Knoxville may be short-lived. He’s already eyeing the 2026 NBA Draft.
When speaking with ESPN’s Jonathan Givony, Ament didn’t shy away from his ambitions. “Coach Barnes sees me as a one-and-done type player,” Ament said. “He’s done it before with Kevin Durant. He thinks I can be that guy.”
It’s not unusual for elite recruits to plan for a one-year college stop before turning pro, but Ament’s transparency this early is rare. Unlike others who keep fans guessing, Ament is direct—and there’s nothing wrong with that. If his freshman year doesn’t go as planned, he can always stay longer. But if he performs as expected, he’s a likely top-10 pick next summer.
Tennessee fans shouldn’t let the short-term nature of Ament’s stay dampen their excitement. He’s a unique talent—an ultra-skilled, shot-making 6’11” wing with two-way upside and rising draft stock. He’s surged up recruiting rankings and has the chance to shine under one of college basketball’s most seasoned coaches.
While comparisons to Kevin Durant are lofty, Ament himself sees Barnes’ track record as a major reason for committing. The potential is massive, and even if this squad doesn’t stay intact for long, fans have every reason to be thrilled about what’s coming next in Knoxville.
