Ament will improve

I’ve been critical of a $4m investment being a mediocre disappointment in a critical portion of the season.

I don’t see how he’s going to improve this season when his biggest flaws are mostly physical.

Idc if I’m right or wrong. Just win.
He’s 18 years old and far from a finished product. Unfortunately for us we won’t see that product until he’s in the nba.
 
He’s 18 years old and far from a finished product. Unfortunately for us we won’t see that product until he’s in the nba.
The NIL dedicated to him could have gone to 2 finished products. That’s my biggest gripe. I don’t care how good Nate becomes in 3-4 years.
 
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I’ve been critical of a $4m investment being a mediocre disappointment in a critical portion of the season.

I don’t see how he’s going to improve this season when his biggest flaws are mostly physical.

Idc if I’m right or wrong. Just win.
That second paragraph is more evidence that basketball ain't your thing. Great basketball coaches like Barnes create ways for improvement, and Ament has reiterated he is here to listen to Barnes on how to improve.
 
That second paragraph is more evidence that basketball ain't your thing. Great basketball coaches like Barnes create ways for improvement, and Ament has reiterated he is here to listen to Barnes on how to improve.
Another implication I don’t understand the game. I grew up in central Indiana in the same AAU circles that produced multiple NBA players. Relax.

Ament is struggling to gain separation by lack of first step and ball handling, and in the cases he’s able to get a step and attack the rim he’s too weak to finish. Is listening to CRB going to make him magically gain 20lbs by January?

Our best bet for better production is to use him differently. He’s not going to provide the shot creation we anticipated.
 
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The NIL dedicated to him could have gone to 2 finished products. That’s my biggest gripe. I don’t care how good Nate becomes in 3-4 years.
I agree . One and done high school players are a crap shoot. Unfortunately the nba drafts on potential and someone is going to take a chance on these one year phenoms every year. I would rather pay for a proven player Knetch, Lanier, Jacoby
 
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Another implication I don’t understand the game. I grew up in central Indiana in the same AAU circles that produced multiple NBA players. Relax.

Ament is struggling to gain separation by lack of first step and ball handling, and in the cases he’s able to get a step and attack the rim he’s too weak to finish. Is listening to CRB going to make him magically gain 20lbs by January?

Our best bet for better production is to use him differently. He’s not going to provide the shot creation we anticipated.
That's my point. Barnes will implement offensive sets that maximize what he can do now that minimize his current lack of physicality. He will also learn from repetition as to what he can and can't do against physical play, and yes during this season because he is willing to do what Barnes tell him. At least he has said as much in every interview
 
How do you explain Julian Phillips away?
Can't, but he didn't present himself as a student there to learn from Barnes as Ament has in interviews. I do know Keon Johnson and Springer went to UT because their parents guided them there because of Barnes. I guess we'll see. I could be wrong about Ament, but at least he's shown a willingness to learn from Barnes
 
His talent is visible for sure, but to me he just doesn’t look physically mature enough for the next level after 1 season. With his build he should not appear timid, but he often does. Is that fair?
The NBA offers more time for someone with high potential to develop because there isn't a limit of time with coaches. If a player in Barnes' system is willing to put gym time on their own, they can flourish. Barnes looked over to Ament in a presser and said he was shooting 300 threes day and Nate confirmed it. That's what it takes. Ament isn't doing that with coaches in the gym. If he can develop a more consistent outside shot it will be extremely beneficial until he gets stronger and more physical
 
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I heard 4 million at one point. I hope not.
I do not know the exact amount, but I know it is close to that number. He would have to be one of the top 14 picks in the NBA draft to make the same amount of money his first year in the NBA as he is making here as a freshman. I also know we pay two players more than the entire roster of Vandy. But then again, sports is REALLY REALLY important to the University of Tennessee.
 
I do not know the exact amount, but I know it is close to that number. He would have to be one of the top 14 picks in the NBA draft to make the same amount of money his first year in the NBA as he is making here as a freshman. I also know we pay two players more than the entire roster of Vandy. But then again, sports is REALLY REALLY important to the University of Tennessee.
I’m confused how anyone knows the specific $NIL to individuals and entire teams? If indeed you’re correct, then we need a General Manager to attempt to find better value for the investment. JMO
 
I don’t think Ament has confidence issues, so it’s interesting to see Rick continue to pump him up. Certainly hope he’s right and we see some big improvements the next few months.


Will def be interesting to see how this plays out...just hope it's not CRB trying to convince himself and the booster(s) who ponied up the $$$ for Ament. It seems CRB and staff have seemingly tempered Ament's role from being the focal point to letting the game come to him and picking his spots...hopefully his SEC conf play can resemble what we saw in the Kansas and UL games vs. the games against HOU, IL and Cuse (although he did get to the line and reb in this game). I still think he needs more off-ball action to get him paint touches esp low post based on who's guarding him.
 
There was a moment last night when Boswell made a turnover trying to make a play on a fast-ish break and get the ball into the post. It was not a good pass but it kind of looked like the right decision. Barnes immediately subbed. I thought it sent the wrong message. I wish he would hold Ament to anything like that same level of accountability.
 

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