Barnes calls for a stronger competitive spirit from Tennessee

Rick Barnes says Tennessee needs a better competitive spirit, according to the Knoxville News Sentinel, a direct challenge from the head coach to his team during a difficult preseason. The remark frames the Volunteers' problem in terms of fight and response rather than scheme, with Barnes asking for more from his players in how they compete.

The available summary includes no further quotes or details about the occasion for Barnes' comments, so the specifics of what prompted them cannot be added here. The message itself is clear, though: the standard Barnes expects is about effort and competitiveness, and he does not believe his team has consistently met it.

That kind of public challenge sets the terms for Tennessee's next steps. How the Vols respond in practice and in their next game will show whether the call for a stronger competitive spirit has landed with the locker room.