Tennessee basketball forward Nate Ament has been recognized as the Southeastern Conference (SEC) Co-Player of the Week, sharing the accolade with Auburn’s Keyshawn Hall. The announcement came on Monday, highlighting Ament’s impressive performance in a crucial game last week.
The freshman standout from Manassas, Virginia, showcased his scoring prowess while leading his team to a 79-73 victory over Alabama at Coleman Coliseum. Ament achieved a career-high of 29 points, demonstrating his efficiency by hitting 10 of 20 field goal attempts, 2 of 3 from beyond the arc, and 7 of 9 from the free-throw line. Additionally, he contributed with seven rebounds and three assists, playing a pivotal role in the Vols’ comeback from an early 10-point deficit.
His performance places him among an elite group, as he became only the sixth SEC freshman in the past two decades to record at least 29 points, seven rebounds, and three assists in a single game. The names alongside him include notable players such as Tre Johnson, Anthony Edwards, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Ben Simmons, and Terrence Jones.
Ament has now secured the SEC Freshman of the Week title three times this season, with the latest being awarded to Arkansas’ Darius Acuff Jr. Furthermore, he stands as the fourth Tennessee freshman to earn SEC Player of the Week honors, following in the footsteps of Jarnell Stokes, Tony Harris, and Allan Houston.
This achievement marks the second time this season a Tennessee player has been named SEC Player of the Week, with Ja’Kobi Gillespie previously receiving the award on December 22. Ament’s impressive run showcases not just his talent but also the potential for the Vols as they look to build on their successes throughout the season.