Not only was the glass half full when the Tennessee players met with the media Tuesday, it was overflowing.

Vols' first-year coach Bruce Pearl said he likes what his players have to say about their chances for success this season.

Now, it's time to back it up.

Pearl and the Vols hit the court hard at 9 o'clock tonight at Thompson-Boling Arena for the start of regular-season practice.

"I'm glad the players believe we will win," Pearl said. "It's good they're thinking that way - teams can choose to make that happen.

"But the true test comes when we get challenged."

Pearl plans to throw the gauntlet down tonight.

"With every offensive possession, there's an opportunity to teach," Pearl said. "Why it was a good possession, or why it was a bad possession? Seniors that have been in a system four years know more than freshmen.

"In this system, we're all freshmen."

Junior post Major Wingate said he and his teammates are up for the challenge.

"This new system plays into everyone's hands," Wingate said. "With the athleticism and smart players on this team, we're better playing this way.

"It will come together fast, but coach Pearl is a perfectionist, and he wants things done right all the time."

Sophomore sharpshooter Chris Lofton said the proof will indeed come in practice.

"Preseason practices have been tough; we'll learn more Friday," Lofton said. "Condition and defense will be important. Deep into the second half of games, we have to be there."

Pearl stressed that means everyone.

"I played nine guys double-digit minutes last year," Pearl said. "Right now, we have nine scholarship players, so they're all in the mix.

"The players are focused on the end results, winning. Right now, I'm focused on the process."