Currently weighing 207 pounds, Ament has undergone a significant transformation from his 185-pound high school frame, but he still possesses a relatively narrow "willow" build. While he has shown resilience in the physical SEC, there are concerns about his bone density and ability to absorb the "bumps" of an 82-game NBA season. He is a "Starter" level prospect here because he doesn't shy away from contact, but he lacks the broad shoulders that suggest he will ever be a "bruiser." His durability will depend on his continued work with professional-grade strength and conditioning staffs to "fill out" without losing his signature fluidity.

This is Ament’s primary physical developmental area. His "lower-half anchor" is still a work in progress; in post-up situations or when fighting for position on the block, he can be displaced by stockier forwards. This score reflects a "Specialist" who can hold his own on the perimeter but may struggle when a 240-pound NBA power forward decides to "play through his chest." Improving his center of gravity and leg strength will be vital for him to translate his defensive versatility from the college level to the pros, where "bully ball" is a frequent counter to lanky defenders.

Ament is a fluid athlete who relies more on "instant air" off a single-foot plant than a heavy two-foot power gather. While he isn't a "rim-rattling" dunker in every possession, his "pop and lift" are efficient, allowing him to finish lobs and transition dunks with ease. This "Starter" level explosiveness is perfect for a wing of his size, as it allows him to be a threat in the dunker spot or on the break without requiring a long runway to get off the ground.

Possessing a high "Pogo Factor," Ament is remarkably quick at returning to the rim after a missed shot or a blocked attempt. This trait is essential for his offensive rebounding and tip-in opportunities, as he often lands and is back in the air before larger, slower-footed bigs have reset their base. This quick-twitch recovery makes him a "Worm" in the paint, generating high-value second-chance points simply by out-working opponents in the air.

Ament demonstrates impressive "Hip Fluidity" for a 6'10" player, allowing him to "open his hips" and run with smaller guards on the perimeter. This score indicates a high level of perimeter containment viability; he can flip his stance to cut off baseline drives and stay "in the jersey" of his assignment. This lateral agility is the primary reason he is projected as a "switchable" defender who won't be immediately hunted by NBA coaches in high-screen actions.

His end-to-end burst is elite for his position, often acting as a "Rim-Runner" who beats opposing bigs down the court for 5-on-4 advantages. Ament covers ground with long, graceful strides that make him a nightmare in transition defense and a primary weapon on the fast break. This "Starter" leaning toward "All-Star" speed ensures that even when his half-court shot isn't falling, he can provide value by putting constant pressure on the opposing defense's transition back-pedaling.

Ament’s ability to decelerate is the "secret sauce" to his shot creation. He can go from a full-speed drive to a dead stop in one or two steps, allowing him to rise for his high-release jump shot with a stable base. This core control prevents him from being "thrown off his axis" by defensive contact, a common issue for taller wings. His "Stop-and-Pop" viability is a direct result of this balance, making his pull-up jumper one of the most dangerous weapons in his arsenal.

Despite the high-octane environment of a Rick Barnes-led Tennessee team, Ament maintains a high "Performance Floor" deep into games. His shooting mechanics remain consistent—his elbow doesn't drop and his stance doesn't widen significantly—even when his minutes climb into the high 30s. While he will need to adjust to the travel and frequency of the NBA schedule, his current conditioning suggests he is ready to contribute major rotation minutes from day one.

As of mid-season 2026, Ament’s free throw shooting is the primary "Pure Touch" proxy that scouts point to when projecting his long-term ceiling. He is currently averaging roughly 76.5% from the line on high volume (over 6 attempts per game), which is a very encouraging sign for a 6'10" freshman. While not yet in the "All-Star" 80% club, his smooth, repeatable routine and high release point suggest that his touch is natural rather than manufactured. For "The Grind Report," this score represents a reliable baseline that mitigates some of his current struggles with three-point consistency.

Ament is a practitioner of the "Playoff Tool," showing a high level of comfort in the intermediate 15-foot range. He uses his massive frame to shoot over smaller defenders, often utilizing a high-release pull-up or a soft fadeaway that is virtually unblockable. This ability to hit contested mid-rangers is vital for when SEC defenses "ice" the pick-and-roll or run him off the three-point line. His footwork in the mid-post has matured rapidly under Coach Barnes, making him a dependable bucket-getter when the offensive flow breaks down.

Ament’s "Spacing Gravity" is high because defenders cannot afford to sag off a 6'10" player with his mechanics. While his season average from deep has hovered around 29–30%, his "shot-ready" preparation—keeping his hands up and feet set before the catch—is professional-grade. Scouts view the current percentage as a result of the high defensive attention he draws at Tennessee rather than a mechanical flaw. As a "Starter" level catch-and-shoot threat, he forces opposing bigs out of the paint, creating driving lanes for his teammates.

The "Self-Creation" aspect of Ament’s long-range game is currently a "Specialist" tool. He has shown flashes of elite step-backs and pull-ups (notably in his 29-point outburst against Alabama), but his efficiency on these high-difficulty shots is still inconsistent. Because he lacks elite "blow-by" speed, he often relies on these off-dribble threes to generate offense against tight man-to-man coverage. Increasing his "Stop-and-Pop" consistency will be the key to moving this score into the 80s and becoming a true primary option at the next level.

This is one of Ament’s most tantalizing traits. Unlike many college forwards who have a "push" shot that loses form as they move back, Ament maintains fluid "one-motion" mechanics even from NBA distances. His arc is high and his power generation comes naturally from his lower body, suggesting he will have no trouble adapting to the deeper professional line. This "Verticality" of shot-making—being able to shoot over anyone from anywhere—is why he remains a top-five lock despite some freshman efficiency growing pains.

Ament’s "Rim Pressure" is currently limited by his lean frame, earning him a "Project" score in power finishing. He currently lacks the "Lower-half anchor" to consistently dunk through a chest in the restricted area, often settling for finesse looks or being bumped off his line. While he is not a frequent lob threat in traffic, his high FTA rate shows he is willing to seek contact; the next step is developing the muscle mass to convert those "And-1" opportunities through NBA-level physicality.

Where he lacks power, Ament compensates with elite "Touch." He is a master of "English" off the glass and utilizes wrong-foot layups and high-arching floaters to finish over rim protectors. This score reflects a player who understands he can't always out-jump the defense and instead uses his length to reach around or over defenders. His finesse at the rim is a vital "Starter" trait that ensures he remains an efficient interior scorer even while his frame continues to fill out.

Ament is surprisingly "Ambidextrous" for a young wing. He is comfortable driving left and finishing with his left hand, which prevents defenders from simply "shading" him to his dominant side. This proficiency is a hallmark of his high skill floor; if an NBA scout tries to "force him left," Ament has shown the capability to punish that strategy with controlled drives and soft-touch finger rolls with the off-hand.

His ball security is a point of contention among scouts. While he has "guard-like moves," his high center of gravity makes his dribble susceptible to "hounding" from smaller, quicker point-of-attack defenders. He can sometimes be rattled by full-court pressure or double-teams, leading to a high turnover rate. Improving his ability to keep the dribble alive without turning his back to the basket is a critical "Specialist" area that needs refinement before he can be trusted as a primary playmaker.

Ament shows the "One-handed Whips" that are characteristic of elite modern forwards. He has the strength and vision to pass directly off the bounce, which is a rare skill at 6'10". This "Specialist" rating comes from his current tendency to "telegraph" some of these passes, but the raw ability to whip a pass to the opposite corner while on the move is a high-upside tool that projects well for his "Point Forward" potential.

In the pick-and-roll, Ament is beginning to master "Manipulation." He uses his size to see over the top of the defense and is learning the "prison dribble" to keep defenders on his back. While he isn't yet a "hub" who runs 20 P&Rs a game, his reads are generally sound. He identifies the low-man helper effectively, though he sometimes struggles with the timing of his deliveries when the help-side defense rotates aggressively.

This is Ament’s "Second Read" capability. He doesn't just pass to the open man; he passes to where the shooter will be. His experience as a former guard is evident here, as he identifies defensive rotations before they fully commit. This high "Basketball IQ" allows him to function as a secondary playmaker who can keep the ball moving and find "ghost" spaces in the defense, making him a highly "Scalable" offensive piece.

When Ament decides to move the ball, it gets there with "Bullet" speed. He throws into the shooting pocket with enough heat to beat the recovery of even the fastest SEC defenders. His accuracy is generally high on skip passes and interior dishes, though he can occasionally overestimate his reach, leading to deflections. This "Starter" level velocity is key to his translation as a connector in an NBA offense.

Ament is an "Off-Ball Gravity" specialist. He understands how to use his shooting threat to set effective screens—knowing that his defender will be hesitant to leave him—and then slipping into open space. His cutting is purposeful; he doesn't just wander, he hunts for soft spots in the zone. While his physical screening "hit" could be harder, his "ghosting" of screens is an elite tactical weapon for Coach Barnes’ offense.

At 100mph, Ament is at his most dangerous. He is a primary "Decision Maker" on the break, whether he is leading the charge himself or acting as the rim-runner. His "Linear Speed" and vision allow him to identify open trailers for 3s or lobs with ease. He consistently creates 5-on-4 advantages by simply outrunning the opposing power forward, making transition his most efficient scoring and playmaking environment.

Ament is a "Worm" in the sense that he uses his 7'1" wingspan to "snag" balls over the heads of box-outs. However, his lack of physical bulk means he can be pushed out of prime rebounding position by more traditional "Rim Runners." His offensive rebounding is more about "opportune tips" and using his "Second Jump Speed" than it is about sustained physical dominance in the paint.

Ament’s individual ball pressure is remarkably effective for a player of his 6'10" stature. He possesses the "Hip Fluidity" to sit in a deep stance and mirror the movement of smaller wings, effectively keeping the ball out of the paint. While elite "blow-by" guards can still challenge his recovery speed, his ability to use his 7'1" wingspan to "shrink the floor" makes him a daunting obstacle at the point of attack. This score reflects a "Starter" who can legitimately spearhead a defensive possession rather than just being a passenger in the scheme.

Staying disciplined on an island is one of Ament's standout defensive traits. He rarely bites on pump fakes, showing a level of poise and maturity that is uncommon for an 18-year-old freshman. He leverages his elite length to contest pull-ups without needing to crowd the shooter's space, which allows him to stay ready for a potential drive. In isolation, he forces opponents into "contested grenades" by simply occupying a massive amount of horizontal and vertical space, making him a cornerstone of Tennessee’s perimeter containment.

Post defense is currently Ament’s primary defensive vulnerability, earning him a "Specialist" rating. Despite his height, his lean 207-pound frame makes it difficult for him to "anchor" against traditional back-to-the-basket bigs. Stronger SEC forwards have shown the ability to use their chest to "back him down" into the restricted area, where he is forced to rely solely on his reach to alter shots. Until his functional lower-body strength improves, he will remain a player that NBA teams may try to "bully" in switch situations near the block.

Ament shows a high level of effort in fighting over screens, often using his "skinny" frame to his advantage by sliding through narrow gaps to stay attached to shooters. While he can occasionally be "walled off" by heavy-bodied screeners, his motor and desire to recover are elite. This "Specialist" score highlights his utility in a switching scheme; while he is best as a "switcher," he is competent enough to "chase" in an "ice" or "blue" coverage when the game plan demands it.

As a secondary rim protector, Ament is a high-level "Verticality" specialist. He averages 1.3 blocks per game, but his impact goes far beyond the stat sheet; he "alters" the trajectory of countless shots simply by being present in the help-side rotation. His 9'0" standing reach allows him to meet drivers at the rim without committing fouls, turning high-percentage layups into low-percentage floaters. His instincts for timing a contest as the "weak-side" helper are already at an NBA-ready "Starter" level.

Ament is an "active" rebounder who uses his length to snag boards over the heads of opponents, as evidenced by his 6.3 rebounds per game. However, his "Defensive Rebounding" score is slightly lower than his offensive mark because he can be boxed out by more physical players who make contact with him first. He is currently a "Specialist" who finishes the stop effectively when he can use his speed to hunt the ball, but he needs to improve his "hit-and-hold" technique to secure boards in traffic against NBA-sized centers.

This is Ament’s most disruptive defensive tool. His "Anticipation" and 7'1" wingspan make him a nightmare in passing lanes, leading to a high steal rate (1.4 per game). He has a "High Steal %" that typically correlates with a high defensive IQ, often picking off cross-court passes that other defenders wouldn't even attempt to reach. This "All-Star" level trait allows Tennessee to ignite their "Transition Offense" frequently, turning defense into immediate offense.

Ament excels in the "Sprint-to-Stall" technique. He covers ground rapidly with his long strides to challenge shooters, yet he remains under control enough to not be beaten by a simple pump-fake and drive. His length acts as a "recovery insurance policy," allowing him to give shooters an extra six inches of space while still being able to get a hand in the shooting pocket. This discipline makes him a highly reliable "3-and-D" wing prospect who doesn't gamble his team out of position.

Under Rick Barnes, Ament has developed into an elite "Recognition" defender. He is consistently the "low-man" on a lob threat or the first to "tag" a roller in a P&R. His ability to diagnose an offensive play as it develops—identifying the help needed before the ball even moves—is what separates him from other "project" wings. This high "Help IQ" ensures that he is always in the right spot to provide the "Verticality" contest that his team relies on.

Ament’s "Communication" and "Linear Speed" make him a force in transition defense. He is often the first player to sprint back and identify assignments in the chaos of a change of possession, frequently preventing easy "leak-out" baskets. His presence as a chase-down block threat (the "LeBron effect") forces opposing players to be more cautious on fast breaks, slowing down the game and allowing the Tennessee defense to set its half-court shell.

Ament is a firm practitioner of the "0.5-second" rule, showing a natural ability to decide between shooting, passing, or driving almost immediately upon catch. Unlike many high-usage freshmen who stall the offense by over-dribbling, Ament’s background as a former guard allows him to see the floor with a wider lens. In his breakout 29-point performance against Alabama on January 24, 2026, he repeatedly exploited drop coverage by recognizing the pocket of space in the mid-range and pulling up before the help-side defense could rotate. This speed of thought ensures he will be an asset in a fast-paced NBA system that prioritizes ball movement.

His defensive communication is advanced for his age, often acting as the "eyes" of the defense from the backline. He is frequently seen calling out "Screen Left" or directing teammates to switch before the action even develops. His awareness is best highlighted by his weak-side rotations; he understands when to leave his man to "tag" a roller or protect the rim, a trait that helped Tennessee hold 17th-ranked Alabama to zero transition buckets in their recent upset win. This proactive approach to defense makes him a low-maintenance, high-impact scheme fit for professional coaches.

Currently rated as a "Specialist" in this category, Ament occasionally falls into the trap of taking "contested grenades"—high-difficulty shots late in the clock that lower his overall efficiency. While he has the "Pure Touch" to make them, Coach Rick Barnes has publicly challenged him to mix his natural aggression with better situational awareness. His score reflects a player who is still learning the difference between a "good shot for me" and a "good shot for the team," particularly when his primary handle is pressured. However, his performance in Tuscaloosa showed significant progress, as he attacked the flow of the offense without forcing unnecessary looks.

Ament’s engagement is elite, as evidenced by his willingness to dive for loose balls and sprint for chase-down blocks. He doesn't take plays off, a "Starter" level trait that has quickly won over the Knoxville faithful. Whether he is crashing the glass for a "Worm" style put-back or sprinting back in transition to prevent a leak-out, his effort is a tangible skill. This high motor is a primary reason his defensive metrics, such as Defensive Win Shares and Defensive BPM, remain high even when his offensive shot isn't falling.

Despite a narrow frame, Ament possesses a "quiet toughness." He doesn't shy away from contact, often driving directly into the chest of larger defenders to draw fouls, which is reflected in his high FTA rate. However, he is still easily displaced in the post and can be "bullied" by veteran SEC bigs. This score is a "Project" rating because his disposition is competitive, but his physical ability to embrace the "grind" of the NBA's 82-game season will require significant time in a professional weight room to match his mental intent.

Ament has shown remarkable "Cortisol Control" in high-pressure environments. In the January 2026 win over Alabama, he scored 18 of his 29 points in the second half, repeatedly hitting "stop-the-bleeding" jumpers whenever the Crimson Tide threatened a comeback. He actively demands the ball in the final three minutes, showing no fear of the moment. This "All-Star" level clutch rating is the primary reason scouts view him as a potential #1 or #2 scoring option at the next level, rather than just a high-level role player.

Though naturally quiet, Ament’s leadership is expressed through his "humility" and diligence. Rick Barnes has praised him for coming into the program with a "need to get better" attitude, which has earned him the immediate respect of Tennessee's veteran players. During the Alabama game, he was seen chest-bumping teammates and providing vocal energy—a "rowdy" departure from his typical low-key personality. His positive body language after turnovers or bad calls suggests a high level of emotional intelligence that will stabilize a professional locker room.

Ament is a "Unicorn" in terms of adaptability. Because he can function as a "3-and-D" floor spacer, a secondary playmaker, or a primary scoring threat, he can fit into almost any NBA roster configuration. He doesn't need to be the primary option to have an impact, making him a "star in his role" early in his career. This high scalability makes him an extremely safe high-lottery pick, as his floor is a versatile rotation wing while his ceiling remains a franchise cornerstone.

His "Correction Speed" is perhaps his most impressive intangible trait. Barnes has noted that Ament often fixes a mistake immediately after it is pointed out in film or on the sidelines. His willingness to play within a rigid defensive system like Tennessee’s—while still finding ways to express his offensive creativity—demonstrates a high level of "Buy-In." This "Cornerstone" level score suggests that he will maximize whatever talent he has through rigorous adherence to team schemes and professional development programs.

Born on December 10, 2006, Ament will be just 19.5 years old on draft night, making him one of the youngest prospects in the 2026 class. For "The Grind Report," this is a massive multiplier for potential. He is currently "operating at 25 percent of his potential," yet he is already a dominant force in the SEC. The "runway" for him to add strength, tighten his handle, and refine his shot selection is immense, placing him firmly in the "Generational" tier for long-term growth.