Watch: Rick Barnes Previews Kentucky, Talks Improved Leadership

KNOXVILLE, Tenn.– Tennessee Vols basketball head coach Rick Barnes met with the local media on Monday to discuss the impact Kentucky star Oscar Tshiebwe has, how his team will be able to do better against the Wildcats than their last meeting, and more.
Barnes says consistency is key for the competition between post players for playing time, especially on the defensive side of the ball.
Barnes noted that his team is different than the last time they met with Kentucky, as they have become more vocal and showed more signs of leadership.
"It's totally different," Barnes said of the leadership. "We are a different team in terms of our leadership. It's been fun watching our guys give more input over the past few weeks. They talk to each other, coach each other and accept each other's coaching. It's really nice to see that part of our program develop."
The Vols will take on No. 4 Kentucky Tuesday night at 9 p.m. ET. in Thompson-Boling Arena. A win would make it eight straight SEC victories for the Vols and would put UT one game back of Kentucky for second place in the SEC.
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Jack is a sophomore at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville majoring in Journalism/Electronic Media. Jack grew up in Paris, Tennessee, but now spends the majority of his time in Knoxville doubling as a student and sports journalist for Volunteer Country. Jack has been a sports junkie since he was a young kid and always watched NFL football with his dad on Sundays. Jack still follows the NFL religiously, as he is an avid fantasy football player. Jack started with Volunteer Country in May of 2021 and has since helped provide full coverage of football, baseball and men's and women's basketball. Jack also works as a recurring member of WUTK's Rock Solid Sports show on Wednesdays and Fridays, and he also serves as head sports producer of The Volunteer Channel's Vol News, a student-run show at the University. When Jack is not watching or covering sports, find him on the golf course or back home spending time with his parents, younger sister and friends. Follow Jack on Twitter and Instagram by clicking "Twitter" and "Instagram" to see all of his work with Volunteer Country as well as student media.