Tennessee forward Nate Ament’s early-season focus has narrowed to one theme: becoming more aggressive and more prepared in every offensive touch.
As the freshman continues adjusting to the college game, Ament has leaned heavily on film study.
He said the biggest shift so far has been improving his decision-making and understanding when to attack.
“I think I’ve been doing a better job with my shot selection,” Ament said. “Still got a lot to clean up, but trying to learn the game, learn where I can be aggressive, learn why, learn to find my teammates.”
Part of the learning curve for the true freshman has been playing with a brand new team.
“I’ve never played with teammates this talented,” he said. “So [I’m] just learning how to play off them and also learn ways I can get them the ball.”
Ament said much of the growth he’s chasing begins before the ball ever touches his hands. Film sessions with head coach Rick Barnes and Tennessee’s staff have highlighted moments that have limited his aggression.
“We identified times where even on some of the shots I do take, I’m not ready to take them,” Ament said. “I’m standing up and I’m just not ready for the ball to come to me.”
That recognition has led to a simple but significant point of emphasis.
“For me, it’s just kind of doing my work early and getting to my spots and being ready for the ball to come to me.”
The adjustment to a perimeter-heavy role has been manageable but demanding.
“Coach has been watching film with me a lot and just trying to help me understand the game and understand the game plan out on the perimeter,” he said.
Speed and decisiveness, he added, are essential to that shift.
“For me, it’s just trying to be quicker in everything that I do. Run to my spots quicker, be down in a stance, learning when to attack, and when I don’t have something, just pass the ball.”
Barnes said Ament’s increasing confidence and assertiveness play a direct role in elevating Tennessee’s overall potential.
“I do think it’s going to get him better and better,” Barnes said.
“Doing his work early and… learning how to get separation before he gets the ball, get turned around, all those details. The better he gets, the better our team’s going to be.”
Ament emphasized that his learning curve remains steep but steady.
Whether it’s recognizing scoring windows, improving feel alongside veteran teammates, each week offers clearer direction.
The recurring theme in his personal evaluation on film and in games is readiness. Being set, being decisive and being aggressive.
Tennessee faces Rutgers in its opening game of the Player’s Era Tournament on Monday at 1 p.m. Eastern.
