Rick Barnes recaps Tennessee men's basketball win over Radford

Defense shows early progress

Barnes said Tennessee’s defensive communication had improved and that players handled Radford’s attempts to attack the rim and create one-on-one chances effectively. He also said the team generally avoided fouling.

He described Radford as a good, well-coached team and said the defense gave Tennessee a solid foundation despite the offense’s problems. Barnes wants the group to keep improving on that end of the floor.

Offense remains a concern

Barnes said Tennessee’s offensive execution was far from its potential. He saw players rushing to shoot and said some missed attempts reflected anxiety or overexcitement. The coach said the team carried out its plans in practice but did not consistently do so once games began. He wants players to take open shots while trusting the team’s approach and making those opportunities count.

Scoring is not the only measure

Barnes said players can mistakenly judge their impact mainly by points scored. He urged them to consider turnovers, assists and whether they made the game easier for teammates.

He also stressed that playing time depends on productivity. Barnes said players should not expect to keep their minutes if someone else is performing better.

Lineups remain unsettled

Barnes said the starting lineup could change from game to game, with practice and film helping determine who starts. He said the team has not yet developed the separation needed to settle on a consistent group.

He noted that Miles did not start after a practice Barnes felt was insufficient, while B Lue’s defense stood out. Barnes said the team is still growing, but believes its players want to win and like one another.