Just a few weeks ago, Kentucky basketball had Tennessee’s number.
The Wildcats swept the regular season series, including an emotional win in Knoxville that gave Big Blue Nation hope for a deep March run. But when the lights shined the brightest in the Sweet 16, it was Tennessee who flipped the script, ending Kentucky’s NCAA Tournament run and advancing to the Elite Eight.
Now, Rick Barnes and the Vols are looking to deliver another blow — this time off the court.
According to 247Sports’ Travis Branham, five-star forward Nate Ament is trending toward Tennessee. Branham has lodged a crystal ball prediction for Ament to commit to the Vols, signaling growing momentum behind Knoxville's push.
🧩 The Ament puzzle
Ament, a dynamic 6-foot-8 forward, was once thought to be leaning heavily toward Duke or Louisville. Kentucky had also quietly entered the mix, and the Wildcats’ back-to-back wins over Tennessee earlier this year gave fans hope that momentum might carry over into the recruiting trail.
But Rick Barnes has changed the tone late in the cycle, and now the Vols are seemingly poised to land one of the top remaining uncommitted players in the 2024 class.
📈 What Nate Ament brings
Ament is a versatile prospect known for his ability to score at all three levels and switch defensively across positions. His long frame, athleticism, and developing perimeter shot make him a perfect fit for the modern college game — and exactly the kind of player that could thrive in the righty system.
If Tennessee does seal the deal, it would be a major recruiting win and a statement of intent for a program trying to take the next step from Elite Eight participant to Final Four contender.
💭 What this means for Kentucky basketball
For Mark Pope and Kentucky, the focus remains on reshaping the roster through the transfer portal and international recruitment. Still, missing out on a high-upside talent like Ament — especially to a rival that just knocked you out of the tournament — stings.
While the Wildcats have their sights on several portal targets and international standouts like Dame Sarr and Harun Zrno, Ament’s decision will be closely watched by Kentucky fans. Not just for who gets him — but for what it says about the current trajectory of the SEC’s fiercest basketball rivalry.
🎯 What’s next?
With the college basketball landscape in full offseason mode, expect more movement in the weeks to come. As “silly season” continues, every visit, crystal ball, and late coaching pitch will be magnified — especially when it involves Kentucky and Tennessee.
For now, score one for Rocky Top — at least until Nate Ament makes it official.