A fun way to open.
Tennessee basketball will open their 2024-25 season with a scrimmage against the Indiana Hoosiers in Knoxville. Food City Center will play host to the even, with the proceeds benefiting the John McClendon Foundation.
The date is set for Sunday, October 27th.
we’ll host the Hoosiers on Rocky Top for a preseason charity exhibition
proceeds benefit @McLendonScholar
— Tennessee Basketball (@Vol_Hoops) August 27, 2024
The Volunteers participated in a similar exhibition scrimmage last season at Michigan State. Tennessee also took on Gonzaga on a neutral floor a couple of years back.
“We are thrilled to host one of the best programs in the nation and support a worthy cause at the same time. I have a great deal of respect for Coach Woodson and I look forward to sharing a sideline with him for the first time,” Tennessee head coach Rick Barnes said. “Indiana’s first visit to Knoxville provides an excellent test for our guys before the season officially begins. Most of all, though, it is a great way to raise money for an impactful organization whose mission I fully support.”
Tennessee and Indiana have played just four times — three of which came in the postseason. The Hoosiers are 4-0 in the series, with the last meeting coming back in 1985. Interestingly enough, and despite playing against some big names, Tennessee is on a 25-game winning streak in exhibition matchups.
Indiana is entering year No. 4 under Mike Woodson, looking to bounce back after missing the NCAA Tournament last season. Woodson led the Hoosiers to the NCAA Tournament in both 2022 and 2023.
Though the game doesn’t count, it’s another good test for this revamped, transfer-heavy roster. Tennessee will also face Louisville, Syracuse, Miami and Illinois, as well as taking part in the Baha Mar Championship (Baylor, St. John’s, Virginia).
TV partners and a tip-off time will be announced at a later date.