KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WVLT) – Tuesday marked the start for preseason practice for both the men and women at the University of Tennessee.
Both programs are coming off great runs in the NCAA Tournament last season. The Vols made their second consecutive Elite 8 appearance, while the Lady Vols made it to the Sweet 16.
Rick Barnes is entering his 11th season at the helm of the Volunteers. The Vols are returning four scholarship players from last year’s team, but they are bringing in a lot of talent from the transfer portal and high school recruiting class.
Coach Barnes said he looks to these returnees to help lead this team.
“They know what we look for,” Barnes said. “They know how we want to attack everyday, whether it is on the court or in the weight room off court, the way we want to do things within our program. I think you have go to have guys that you can trust.”
Speaking of the returning players, Coach Barnes told the media redshirt sophomore forward J.P. Estrella has been dealing with an ankle sprain leading up to Tuesday’s practice. Estrella was seen practicing with the Vols with his left ankle taped.
Estrella missed all but three games last season as he underwent season-ending surgery.
Tennessee plays an exhibition against Duke on Oct. 26 at Food City Center. The Volunteers officially open up the season on Nov. 3 against Mercer.
For the Lady Volunteers, Kim Caldwell is entering into her second season as head coach.
One thing a lot of people took away from Coach Caldwell’s coaching style in year one was that she plays fast. She subs in five in, five out, and does it quickly. She said she has full confidence in this new class to make an immediate impact in the rotation.
“Everyone is ready,” Caldwell said. “We recruit for players that want to play right away. There are some freshmen that want to come and sit and develop and sit behind somebody for two years, and we don’t recruit players that want that. Those are the conversations that we have, making sure that they know that they don’t get to be freshmen for very long.”
Another big takeaway from the Lady Vols’ first practice is Ruby Whitehorn has been reinstated to the team. Coach Caldwell addressed the situation saying that it is not a representation of the standard of the program and they hope to move on from the situation.
Related Coverage: Lady Vols’ Ruby Whitehorn back on the squad after entering plea agreement
Ruby Whitehorn is back at practice after a lengthy suspension.
Kim Caldwell told the media today:
“It’s not a situation that reflects our program the way we want it to. It’s something that we have addressed seriously.” #LadyVols pic.twitter.com/YznuwiE1ui
— Rylee Robinson (@ryleerobinsontv) September 23, 2025
The Lady Volunteers will play an exhibition against Columbus State on Oct. 29 before opening the season on the road in Greensboro on Nov. 4 against NC State.
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