Three Vols Featured in Wasserman’s Latest Mock Draft Ahead of Next Week’s NBA Draft
Image: Andrew Ferguson/Tennessee Athletics
By Aidan Sidoti
KNOXVILLE – Bleacher Report lead scout and NBA Draft insider Jonathan Wasserman released his updated mock draft Tuesday morning ahead of next Thursday and Friday’s NBA Draft in Brooklyn, and Tennessee is positioned to have its strongest draft showing since 2019. Wasserman projects three Volunteers to hear their names called across the two‑day event.
Wasserman slotted freshman forward Nate Ament at No. 10 overall to the Milwaukee Bucks, keeping the Tennessee star firmly in the lottery conversation. He also offered a notable pro comparison, linking Ament to Washington Wizards wing Will Riley. Ament averaged 16.7 points and tied for the team lead with 6.3 rebounds per game during his lone season in Knoxville, earning All-SEC Second Team honors and six SEC Freshman of the Week awards.
“Nate Ament has been selective about who he’s working out for, but he has already visited multiple top 10 teams,” Wasserman wrote. “He measured well in Chicago, coming in even taller than expected barefoot (6'9.5"). This is an enticing height for a player with his ability to attack and shoot from different spots. He plays well both on and off the ball. High upside traits (positional size, shotmaking, defensive tools) are swaying evaluators to look past some of his inefficient execution at Tennessee.”
Former starting point guard Ja’Kobi Gillespie landed at No. 46 to the Orlando Magic in Wasserman’s second round projections, drawing a comparison to Detroit Pistons guard Marcus Sasser. Gillespie started all 37 games during his lone season on Rocky Top, averaging 18.4 points, 5.4 assists, 2.8 rebounds and 2.1 steals while shooting over 40% from the field.
“Despite measuring under 6'0" barefoot, Ja’Kobi Gillespie’s 28 points during his first combine scrimmage highlighted enticing microwave shotmaking ability,” Wasserman wrote. “Between his perimeter scoring firepower and playmaking at Tennessee, teams could picture an instant offense guard to bring off the bench.”
Center Felix Okpara rounded out Tennessee’s presence in the mock, being projected No. 52 to the Los Angeles Clippers. The 6-foot-10 big man spent two seasons in Knoxville after transferring from Ohio State, appearing in 35 games and starting 34 as a senior while averaging 8.0 points and 6.3 rebounds in 26.9 minutes per game. He shot 59.7% from the field.
“At 237 pounds with a 9'4" reach, Felix Okpara’s body type and measurements alone should be worth drafting in the second round,” Wasserman wrote. “He had some strong moments at the NBA combine showcasing his finishing and shot blocking tools.”
