Three Tennessee Volunteers basketball players have received invitations to the prestigious AWS NBA Draft Combine, marking another milestone for the program's growing pipeline to the professional ranks. The showcase event is set to take place May 10-17 at Chicago's Wintrust Arena and Marriott Marquis, giving these Vols a prime opportunity to impress scouts and executives.

Forward Nate Ament, center Felix Okpara, and guard Ja'Kobi Gillespie have all been selected to participate. While Okpara and Gillespie have exhausted their college eligibility, Ament still holds the option to return to Tennessee for his sophomore season—a decision that adds extra intrigue to his draft journey. According to ESPN, Ament currently ranks as the No. 8 best available player in the draft class, underscoring his potential as a first-round talent.

The 2026 NBA Draft will be held June 23-24 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. Players who declare early must withdraw their names by June 13 at 5 p.m. EDT if they wish to maintain college eligibility. The first round will air June 23 on ABC and ESPN, with the second round following on June 24.

This trio's invitation reflects Tennessee's continued rise as a basketball powerhouse, with the Vols making deep NCAA Tournament runs and now producing NBA-caliber talent. For fans following these players' journeys, the combine will offer a first look at how they measure up against the nation's elite prospects.