Ament's Grit: Tennessee's March Madness Hopes

0:00On March 22nd, Nate Amen stands out as one of the top forwards in college basketball for the Tennessee volunteers. He's boosted his offensive numbers this season and brought plenty of talent to the team. Right now, though, he's battling an ankle sprain from the Alabama game that also affected his knee. The injury has kept him from being at full strength, but he'll suit up for the Vols' second round matchup against the Virginia Cavaliers. Doctors have done what they can to get him ready, yet sprains like this need real-time off to heal fully. Coach Rig Barnes calls Amen one of the toughest players he's ever coached. Barnes notes that a man has played every minute since the injury, pushing through the pain without full recovery and sight until the season ends. Fans worry this could limit the game-changing forward they rely on in the tournament. Aments projected as a top 10 pick in the upcoming NBA draft, so his departure would leave big gaps for Tennessee next year. As the Vols gear up for Virginia, all eyes stay on Amen's grit to carry them deeper and to March Madness.