Duke exhibition loomed as Tennessee's biggest preseason test

Tennessee's exhibition against Duke was framed as the most important preseason game on the Volunteers' schedule before the regular season begins. Facing an opponent of Duke's caliber in an exhibition setting offers a sterner examination than a routine tune-up game.

For Rick Barnes, that kind of test has value precisely because it is unforgiving. It shows which parts of Tennessee's game hold up against elite competition and which parts still need attention, giving the Volunteers a clearer picture of themselves before the results start to count.