The UT men's basketball team traveled to Italy on Sunday morning to compete against club and professional teams during a 10 day tour.
The vols will play four games while overseas.
Head Coach Cuonozo Martin played for an Italian pro team after his career in the NBA. He said his players will face some tough competition in Europe.
"In most cases over in Europe, big guys play on the perimeter. . . and shoot a lot of 3-point shots," Martin said. "They're good passers. It gives our guys a good gauge of what it's like playing at that level."
Martin said this trip will give him and his coach staff a better feel for the players and which roles each could fill this season.