For Tennessee, the first preseason job was simply to compete

Tennessee's first task as it began its preseason work was described in simple terms: compete. Before tactics, rotations, or results could be judged, the Volunteers needed to show the level of effort and fight expected of a Rick Barnes team.

That starting point matters for a program that builds its identity on defense and toughness. If Tennessee establishes its competitive standard in the exhibition season, the finer details of execution can be built on top of it as the regular season draws closer.