Tennessee coach Bruce Pearl has made the realization that the biggest problem facing his basketball team isn't going to go away this season.

"This is the most difficult roster I've ever inherited, because of the depth issue,'' Pearl said. "Everywhere I've been, I've had nine guys average double-digit minutes. Right now, we go eight deep in our rotation.

"Don't get me wrong, I like what I have -- I just wish I had a little more.''

The Vols had enough to beat the 10th-ranked team in Division II, Southern Indiana, 86-78 Friday night.

Pearl said he saw a lot of positive things in the game, but also, plenty to work on before Friday night's 7 p.m. exhibition against Carson-Newman.

"Eleven of their 27 turnovers came against our full-court pressure,'' Pearl said. "That's a lot of turnovers with the press. But I realize that won't be that effective against everybody.''

Southern Indiana made only four baskets against the press, but the Screaming Eagles missed on plenty of open looks that the Kentucky's of the world would have hit.

Pearl, however, is pleased with the progress being made on the defensive end, particularly from senior Major Wingate.

"He was really a factor on the ball on the press,'' Pearl said. "He deserves credit for his deflections.''

That said, Wingate is among many who need to improve in the offensive half-court sets.

Pearl noticed Southern Indiana's 6-foot-7 center got the better of the 6-10 Wingate too many times.

"Major needs to work on initiating contact better on offense and defense,'' Pearl said. "But Major did have a double-double (10 points, 10 rebounds).''

And, it's not like Pearl has anyone who can give Wingate a break from action when he needs it. Damion Harris, a 6-foot-10 freshman, is still struggling to adjust and played one minute against Southern Indiana. Harris suffered a pulled quadriceps in Sunday's practice and is doubtful for Friday night's game.

The injury makes Harris taking a redshirt this season all the more probable.

That would leave 6-foot-9 freshman forward Ryan Childress as the only back-up for Wingate.

Six-foot-7 senior Andre Patterson returns from his suspension for Friday night's game, but the Vols are still thin along the front line. So thin, in fact, that 6-foot-4 junior Dane Bradshaw will continue to see playing time underneath.

"Dane had three blocked shots the other night that he didn't get credit for,'' Pearl said.

Even so, Pearl knows that for Tennessee to have any sort of postseason hopes it will need to improve its half-court game.