College Basketball Pundit Low on Nate Ament, High on Ja’Kobi Gillespie Ahead of NBA Draft
Three Tennessee basketball stars—Nate Ament, Ja’Kobi Gillespie, and Felix Okpara—are expected to be selected in the 2026 NBA Draft. While consensus views Ament as a late lottery pick, analyst Ryan Hammer ranks him 24th, places Gillespie at 36th, and slots Okpara at 54th on his final big board.
Why do draft projections differ for Nate Ament?
Common consensus suggests Nate Ament could be a late lottery pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. However, pundit Ryan Hammer ranks the 6-foot-10 wing at No. 24 in his final big board.
Ament averaged 16.7 points per game with 6.3 rebounds and 2.3 assists last season. He shot 39.9% from the field and 33.3% from three-point range, though he battled an injury leading into the postseason.
How is Ja’Kobi Gillespie viewed by analysts?
Most draft experts project Ja’Kobi Gillespie as a mid-to-late second-round pick. Ryan Hammer holds a higher perspective, slotting the point guard at No. 36, which places him just below first-round status.
Gillespie is an older prospect who completed his senior year at his home state school. He averaged 18.4 points, 5.4 assists, and 2.8 rebounds per game on 41% shooting from the field and 33.8% from beyond the arc.
What is the outlook for Felix Okpara?
Projections for Felix Okpara are largely aligned between general consensus and Ryan Hammer. Hammer slots the forward at No. 54, which would make him one of the final picks in the two-round draft.
Okpara established himself as a top rim protector this past year. He finished the season with averages of 8.0 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 0.5 assists per game.
What may happen next for these players?
With the draft less than a week away, these three players are likely to hear their names called. Ament could see his position shift depending on whether teams prioritize his 6-foot-10 frame or weigh his postseason injury more heavily.
Gillespie may find himself as a fringe first-round candidate if Hammer’s No. 36 valuation gains traction. Okpara is likely to remain a late second-round prospect based on his current rim-protection metrics.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Tennessee players are expected to be drafted in 2026?
Nate Ament, Ja’Kobi Gillespie, and Felix Okpara are the three stars expected to be selected.
Where does Ryan Hammer rank Nate Ament?
Hammer has Ament ranked at No. 24 in his final big board.
What were Ja’Kobi Gillespie’s season averages?
Gillespie averaged 18.4 points, 5.4 assists, and 2.8 rebounds per game.
How do you think the 2026 NBA Draft will impact the legacy of these Tennessee players?