Nate Ament’s NBA Draft Path: How the Italian Guard Became the Next European Prospect to Watch
June 10, 2024 | Updated: June 12, 2024
Nate Ament, the 6’3” point guard from Gonzaga University, is poised to become the first Italian player selected in the NBA Draft since Marco Belinelli in 2002. With a standout collegiate career—including a 2024 NCAA Tournament run and a 17.8 points-per-game average in his senior season—Ament’s draft stock has surged, placing him among the top 30 prospects for the 2026 NBA Draft. His dual Italian-American citizenship and elite playmaking skills (9.2 assists per game in 2023–24) make him a compelling story for European basketball fans and NBA teams scouting international talent.
Why Nate Ament’s Draft Story Matters for Italian Basketball
The NBA Draft has historically been a pathway for European players to gain global recognition, but Italy’s representation in the league has been sparse. Ament’s potential selection would mark a significant moment for Italian basketball, following the footsteps of legends like Belinelli and Andrea Bargnani. According to Fiba Europe, Italy has produced only 12 NBA players since 2000, compared to Spain’s 47 and France’s 32 in the same period.
For Ament, the journey isn’t just about personal achievement—it’s about proving that Italian guards can thrive in the NBA’s fast-paced system. His dual citizenship (born in the U.S. to Italian parents) adds another layer: if drafted, he could represent Italy in international competitions like EuroBasket or the Olympics, a rare opportunity for American-born players.
Key Stats: How Ament Stacks Up Against Recent First-Round Guards
Ament’s collegiate numbers are eye-catching, but how do they translate to NBA expectations? Here’s a comparison of his 2023–24 averages to recent first-round guards:
| Stat | Nate Ament (Gonzaga) | TyTy Washington Jr. (2023, #10) | Jalen Green (2021, #2) | NBA Avg. (PG/SG, 2023–24) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PPG | 17.8 | 17.5 | 18.3 | 14.2 |
| APG | 9.2 | 5.3 | 3.8 | 5.1 |
| FG% | 48.5% | 45.2% | 45.8% | 44.8% |
| 3P% | 36.1% | 33.8% | 34.5% | 36.0% |
Source: NCAA stats via Gonzaga Athletics; NBA averages from NBA.com.
While Ament’s assist rate (28.3%) is elite for a guard, scouts note his defensive versatility—rated as a “3-and-D” prospect by NBA Draft Combine—could be a selling point for teams needing perimeter defense.
Which NBA Teams Are Most Interested in Ament?
Teams with guard-heavy rosters or a history of developing international players are likely targets. According to league sources speaking to NBA.com, the following franchises have shown interest:
- Los Angeles Lakers: Already have a strong European connection (Dario Šarić, Louis Okafor) and could use a high-IQ guard to mentor young players.
- Milwaukee Bucks: With Jrue Holiday’s leadership and a need for bench scoring, Ament’s playmaking fits their system.
- Houston Rockets: Stephen Silas’ offensive schemes would suit Ament’s court vision, and the team has a history of drafting European guards (e.g., Facundo Campazzo).
- Sacramento Kings: Seeking a long-term point guard after De’Aaron Fox’s contract extension.
Draft Position Projection: Mock drafts from NBA Mock Draft and DraftExpress consistently slot Ament between the 20th and 30th picks, with a consensus top-30 ranking.
How Ament’s Italian Roots Could Influence His NBA Career
Ament’s Italian heritage isn’t just a footnote—it’s a potential asset. Italian-born NBA players often leverage their dual identity for cultural connections, sponsorships, and even coaching relationships. For example:
- Marco Belinelli (2002 draft) became a fan favorite in Toronto and Dallas, partly due to his charismatic personality and Italian heritage.
- Andrea Bargnani (2006 draft) played for both Italy’s national team and the NBA, bridging European and American basketball cultures.
- Dario Šarić (2014 draft) used his Croatian-Italian background to grow his personal brand, signing with Nike and appearing in European media.
Ament’s parents, both from Italy, have been vocal about his potential to represent Italy in future FIBA competitions. “He’s always talked about playing for Italy,” his father, Marco Ament, told La Gazzetta dello Sport in 2023. “It’s a dream for us, but he has to earn it on the court first.”
Key Question: If drafted, could Ament follow in Šarić’s footsteps by becoming a cultural ambassador for Italian basketball in the NBA?
What Happens Next for Nate Ament?
Ament’s timeline is clear, but his draft fate hinges on three factors:
- 2024–25 Season: If he returns to Gonzaga for a fifth year, his stock could rise further. Alternatively, declaring early for the 2025 Draft (a possibility if teams show serious interest) would accelerate his timeline.
- NBA Combine (May 2025): His athletic testing (speed, vertical, strength) will determine if he’s a late-first-round or early-second-round prospect.
- Team Interest: A strong showing in the NBA G League Ignite or a pro league (e.g., Italy’s Serie A) could push him into the top 20.
Next Checkpoint: Ament’s decision on whether to enter the 2025 Draft or return to Gonzaga will be announced by April 2025. The 2026 NBA Draft is scheduled for June 26, 2026, at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York (UTC–4).
FAQ: What You Need to Know About Nate Ament’s Draft Prospects
Q: Is Nate Ament eligible to play for Italy’s national team?
A: Yes. Under FIBA rules, Ament can represent Italy if he meets residency requirements (e.g., playing professionally in Italy for two years) or if FIBA grants a special exemption for dual citizens. His parents’ Italian heritage strengthens his case.
Q: Which NBA teams have the best chance to draft Ament?
A: Teams with weak guard rosters or a history of developing international players are the likeliest candidates. The Lakers, Bucks, and Rockets are top contenders.
Q: How does Ament’s draft stock compare to other European guards?
A: Ament is currently ranked behind TyTy Washington Jr. (2023, #10) and Jalen Green (2021, #2) but ahead of Luigi Suigo (2027 prospect, Italy). His assist rate is higher than Green’s collegiate numbers, but his shooting percentage (36.1% from three) is slightly below NBA benchmarks.
Follow Nate Ament’s journey:
- Gonzaga Bulldogs official updates: www.gonzagabulldogs.com
- NBA Draft tracking: NBA.com/Draft
- Italian basketball news: Fiba Europe
What do you think: Will Ament become the next Italian NBA star? Share your predictions in the comments.
