Nate Ament convinced Rick Barnes he could play. Tennessee is glad he did

By , Daily Memphian Updated: March 12, 2026 10:42 PM CT | Published: March 12, 2026 6:24 PM CT

Tennessee coach Rick Barnes said he had a late-night meeting with the team trainer on Wednesday. It paid off when his star freshman scored 27 one day later. 

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Drew Hill

Drew Hill

Drew Hill covers the Memphis Grizzlies and is a top-10 APSE winner. He has worked throughout the South writing about college athletics before landing in Memphis.


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