Nate Ament has shown inconsistencies in his performance over the past two games, raising concerns as Tennessee gears up for the final stretch of the season. In a previous matchup against Vanderbilt, Ament managed to deliver a crucial shot in the closing moments but ultimately finished with just 13 points, shooting at a disappointing 23.1%. This trend continued in the game against Missouri, where he scored 17 points, albeit with a low shooting percentage of 35%. Head coach Rick Barnes has expressed the need for Ament to elevate his game, emphasizing the importance of fighting through physical play to earn the fouls that could improve his scoring opportunities.
Barnes noted, “He’s going to have to get himself going. He’s got to be the one to fight to get open,” highlighting that Ament must be proactive in creating his scoring chances. With the SEC tournament and March Madness on the horizon, it is crucial for Ament to find his rhythm and deliver consistently. While he has shown significant improvement since the start of SEC play, questions remain about his ability to perform under pressure during critical moments.
As Tennessee prepares for the final three games of the regular season, Ament’s development will be critical. His performance, alongside performances from fellow teammate Gillespie, can transform Tennessee into a formidable contender with the potential to challenge elite teams such as Duke, Michigan, and Arizona. The duo has the talent to be recognized as All-Americans, but that potential needs to be met with consistent execution on the court. If Ament can harness his skills and become more consistent, Tennessee could emerge as a significant threat in the upcoming postseason tournaments.