Rwandan-American NBA prospect, Nate Ament, made a weeklong visit to Rwanda, his mother’s homeland from August 9 to 13, a trip that blended basketball, community engagement, and cultural exploration. Projected as a top-three pick in the 2026 NBA Draft and currently ranked No.4 by ESPN, the 18-year-old’s homecoming was more than just a personal journey; it was an inspiring exchange with the Rwandan community. Ament, who plays college basketball at University of Tennessee, arrived in Kigali with his family on August 9. “I’m happy to be home, as well as seeing my family,” he said shortly after his arrival. During his weeklong visit, Ament held training sessions with some local talent at the BK Arena and Petit Stade in Remera, two of Rwanda’s premier sports complexes. ALSO READ: US basketball prospect Nate Ament launches signature sneaker inspired by Rwanda On August 11, he visited the community basketball program run by Shooting Touch in Kayonza District, Eastern province where led training drills with the local talent from the center. Later that afternoon, Ament paid a visit to the Ministry of Sports headquarters. He met Minister Nelly Mukaziyire where they discussed basketball development and youth opportunities. ALSO READ: Nate Ament: Youngster with Rwandan roots ranked among USA's basketball finest No trip to Rwanda would be complete without experiencing the country’s natural treasures. Ament headed north to Musanze District, where he visited the majestic mountain gorillas in Volcanoes National Park, where breathtaking volcanic landscapes meet the rarest primates on earth. At least 40 baby gorillas, including 18 born in 2024, will be named in a ceremony which will take place on September 5. Back in Kigali, Ament joined the Community League at Zaria Court, where he played 5-on-5 pickup games with young basketball players. For many of them, it was a rare chance to test themselves against a rising star bound for the NBA. The visit concluded on August 13 with a family outing at the Kigali Golf Resort and Villas, where they were hosted for lunch by Rwanda Development Board (RDB) CEO Jean-Guy Afrika. Here are key highlight of Ament's visit to Rwanda in pictures.
