(BPRW) A Top NBA Draft Prospect with a Greater Purpose
Tennessee’s Freshman Star Nate Ament’s Journey to His Mother’s Homeland
(Black PR Wire) Nate Ament, at just 18 years old, is gearing up for his freshman season with the Tennessee Volunteers, having turned down many offers. Recognized as one of the most promising prospects in college basketball, he is projected to be a top contender for the first overall pick in the 2026 NBA draft, potentially earning substantial income from both salary and endorsements.
Ament’s mother, Godelive Mukankuranga, has a poignant history. Born in Rwanda to Tutsi ancestry, she faced severe limitations in her education after elementary school due to her heritage. However, she received an opportunity through UNICEF to study in Italy, where she later became a nurse while leaving behind family members affected by the Rwandan Civil War and genocide.
“I didn’t want to burden my kids with such painful stories at a young age,” Mukankuranga shared with NBC News. After losing several family members during the genocide, she returned to Rwanda in 1995 to aid relief efforts following her nursing education. In 1998, she married Albert Ament, settling in Virginia, where they raised four sons.
While initially pursuing soccer, Ament shifted to basketball at 13 as he sought activities during the onset of the COVID pandemic. Today, he is considered an “ultra-talented” player noted for his scoring ability and defensive skills. This summer, Ament returned to Rwanda, intending to give back by coaching at camps and offering support through medical aid initiatives.
“It was crucial for me to connect with Rwanda,” Ament said, expressing his commitment to support the nation through sports. Mukankuranga expressed pride in seeing her son embrace his Rwandan roots and contribute positively to the community, emphasizing the country’s growth and beautiful landscape despite its turbulent past.
Ament recognizes that ensuring his success on the court will allow him to help his ancestral homeland more effectively. At 6-foot-10, he combines shooting finesse with guard-like skills, drawing comparisons to NBA great Kevin Durant. His Tennessee coach, Rick Barnes, praised Ament’s impressive skill set and potential impact on the game.
Ultimately, Ament seeks to forge his own path in the sport, hoping to serve as a beacon of hope for the younger generation in Rwanda. “My mother inspires me every day,” he remarked, emphasizing how her resilience motivates him to appreciate his life and the people around him. Mukankuranga feels strengthened by Ament’s aspirations, as she envisions him positively influencing Rwanda’s youth and encouraging progress beyond the nation’s painful legacy.
