Ja’Kobi Gillespie is actively recruiting 5☆ Nate Ament, with Troy Henderson also playing on the same team, keeping hopes high.

As the 2025–2026 season draws nearer, the Tennessee Lady Volunteers basketball team, led by head coach Kim Caldwell, are not just focusing on the roster they’ve already built through the transfer portal, but are also intensifying their efforts to land a highly coveted recruit. This recruit, 5-star prospect Nate Ament, is one of the most sought-after players in the country. And while the Lady Vols are already stacked with talent thanks to several big transfers, they are working hard to complete their roster with the addition of Ament, a player who could significantly impact the program’s future.

The Recruitment of 5-Star Nate Ament

Nate Ament is a 5-star recruit, ranked as one of the top players in the country for the 2025 class. Standing 6’4” with exceptional athleticism, Ament is a versatile guard who excels in both offense and defense. He is known for his strong finishing ability around the basket, smooth shooting mechanics from the perimeter, and basketball IQ. Ament has received offers from almost every major program in the country, including several in the Southeastern Conference (SEC). The fact that he is one of the most highly recruited players in the nation speaks volumes about his potential to be an immediate contributor at the next level.

Ament’s decision is being closely watched by schools across the nation, and with good reason. He is the type of player who can immediately step in and make an impact in a major conference like the SEC. His combination of size, speed, and skill make him a highly coveted player. In a recruiting battle as intense as this, every little edge counts, and Tennessee Lady Vols are using all their resources to ensure they are front and center in Ament’s decision-making process.

Ja’Kobi Gillespie: The Key Recruiter for Tennessee

Ja’Kobi Gillespie, a transfer point guard from the University of Maryland, has become a critical figure in the Lady Vols’ pursuit of Ament. Gillespie, who transferred to Tennessee for the 2025–2026 season, has proven herself to be an incredible asset both on the floor and in the recruiting process. Her leadership and playmaking abilities will be vital for Tennessee in the upcoming season, but her influence off the court is also making waves.

Gillespie, a Tennessee native, has strong connections to many of the state’s top high school players, including Ament. Having played at the highest levels of college basketball, she brings credibility to the Lady Vols’ recruitment efforts. More than just a player, Gillespie is becoming a recruiter-in-chief, working tirelessly to convince top-tier players to join her at Tennessee. Her efforts to recruit Ament have been particularly noteworthy. She has been vocal in public about her efforts to help reel in the 5-star guard, using her platform and credibility to build a relationship with Ament that could prove pivotal in his eventual decision.

Gillespie’s role in the recruitment process cannot be understated. She is not just a bystander but a key figure in Tennessee’s strategy to secure Ament’s commitment. Having played against some of the best competition in the nation at Maryland, Gillespie understands the caliber of talent required to compete at the highest levels of college basketball. Her insights and experiences resonate with players like Ament, who are trying to make an informed decision about where they can develop the most.

Beyond her basketball talents, Gillespie’s personal connection to Tennessee is another important factor. As someone who has played in both high-profile programs and in the SEC, she is a resource that Ament can turn to for advice. Her insight into what it takes to succeed in a program like Tennessee, combined with the relationships she has developed over the years, makes her one of the best recruiters in the business. Gillespie’s active involvement in the recruitment of Ament underscores her importance not only as a player for the Lady Vols but also as a leader off the court.

Troy Henderson’s Connection to Nate Ament

Another key figure in the pursuit of Nate Ament is Troy Henderson, who has deep ties to Ament through their shared experiences on the same team. Henderson, a former standout high school player and current member of Tennessee’s basketball program, played alongside Ament on the same travel team. Their bond goes beyond just being teammates; it is a relationship built on mutual respect and a shared love for the game of basketball.

Henderson’s involvement in the recruitment of Ament adds another layer of intrigue to Tennessee’s pursuit of the 5-star recruit. As someone who has been on the same team as Ament, Henderson provides a unique perspective. He understands Ament’s playing style, strengths, and weaknesses, and can offer first-hand insight into how Ament would fit into Tennessee’s system. This personal connection could be pivotal in convincing Ament that Tennessee is the right place for his development.

Moreover, Henderson’s experience at Tennessee gives him a unique perspective to offer Ament about what life is like as a Lady Vol. He can speak to the team culture, the coaching staff, and the opportunity to play in the SEC. For Ament, hearing directly from someone who has gone through the recruiting process and is now a part of the Tennessee program could prove invaluable in making a decision.

Why Tennessee is a Strong Contender

While Ament has a long list of suitors, Tennessee’s pitch to him is compelling. The Lady Vols have a storied history of success in women’s basketball and have built a program that is poised for continued success. With the arrival of Kim Caldwell as the head coach, the program has taken a more aggressive approach in both recruiting and playing style. Caldwell’s emphasis on fast-paced play, strong defense, and team-oriented basketball aligns perfectly with Ament’s skill set, making Tennessee a great fit for the recruit.

Tennessee also provides the opportunity to play in the SEC, widely regarded as one of the toughest conferences in college basketball. The level of competition is high, and the exposure that comes with playing in the SEC is invaluable for players hoping to reach the next level, whether that’s professional basketball or other career opportunities. Ament’s potential to shine in a competitive environment like the SEC is a major selling point for Tennessee’s recruitment efforts.

Moreover, the coaching staff at Tennessee has a proven track record of developing players at the highest level. Under Coach Caldwell, who has a reputation for developing both players’ skill sets and leadership abilities, Ament would have the opportunity to hone his craft in a system that values hard work and discipline. The Lady Vols’ emphasis on player development, coupled with their competitive culture, makes Tennessee an attractive option for any top recruit.

The Importance of Building Relationships

The recruitment of Ament is not just about basketball skills—it’s about building relationships. Ament, like many top recruits, is looking for a program where he feels he can thrive both on and off the court. The connections he has with Ja’Kobi Gillespie and Troy Henderson are crucial in this regard. Having someone like Gillespie, who can speak to Ament’s potential role on the team and provide insight into what life at Tennessee is like, helps foster a deeper connection with the program. Similarly, Henderson’s personal experience with Ament and his understanding of what Tennessee can offer will help to build the trust that Ament needs to make his decision.

In the end, the recruitment of Ament is about much more than just his skills as a basketball player. It’s about finding the right fit for both him and the program. Tennessee, with its strong relationships, coaching staff, and vision for the future, presents a compelling case.

The Road Ahead

The recruitment process for 5-star prospects like Ament can often be a rollercoaster, with many twists and turns along the way. However, Tennessee is in a strong position with its current pitch, and the efforts from Ja’Kobi Gillespie and Troy Henderson are certainly not without merit. They are not just selling a program but offering a vision of what Ament’s future could look like if he chooses to play for the Lady Vols.

As the 2025 class continues to come together, Ament’s decision could be one of the most significant in the history of Tennessee women’s basketball. The potential impact he would have on the program is undeniable, and the Lady Vols are doing everything they can to ensure that Ament sees the immense opportunity that lies in Knoxville.

The next few months will be crucial in this recruitment, but with the active involvement of Gillespie, Henderson, and the Lady Vols coaching staff, Tennessee remains very much in the hunt for one of the top players in the country. The excitement surrounding Ament’s decision will only grow as the 2025–2026 season approaches, with Tennessee hoping to make a significant addition to an already promising roster.

This article takes a deep dive into the recruitment of Nate Ament, highlighting how key figures like Ja’Kobi Gillespie and Troy Henderson are playing critical roles in Tennessee’s pursuit of the 5-star recruit. Their efforts, combined with Tennessee’s overall pitch and strategic appeal, have placed the Lady Vols in a strong position to secure Ament’s commitment.