After Tennessee's exhibition loss to Xavier, where they fell 86-70, head coach Rick Barnes highlighted the need for improvement in several areas, including defensive breakdowns and rebounding. Despite the defeat, Barnes expressed a sense of optimism, stating that he was glad the team was "exposed" early, allowing them to identify crucial areas for quick adjustments ahead of their upcoming season.
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Tennessee is entering the 2026-27 season with a roster featuring 13 newcomers, earning a preseason ranking of No. 8 in the Associated Press poll. The Volunteers will be facing No. 2 Duke in their next exhibition game, and Barnes is preparing the team for this challenge. He provided an update on Jalen Washington's eligibility as part of the team's preparations.
As the Volunteers gear up for their matchup against the Blue Devils, they aim to build on the lessons learned from the Xavier game and enhance their performance on both ends of the court.