My hopes/expectations were relatively high, but tempered by the fact that last year was a down year, and the expectation of relying on freshmen in order to be better this year.
Just like with the football team, you really can't judge how much of a factor COVID-19 was. Making the assumption that it had a major influence, I think you (I?) give the benefit of the doubt. So, I gave a 7. Historically speaking, this was a decent year for Tennessee. We at least beat Kentucky at Rupp, and a few other historically good teams.
Even our coach had covid. So, I don't know how people can totally discount that factor.
I think C-Town Vol and others in the "Theory + a couple of observations" thread have it pretty well pegged. We just didn't ever gel as a team - at least not at the right times. Who knows? With a healthy Fulky, we would possibly be looking at a different reality today, with a possible SEC title under our belt. It just wasn't meant to be.
On to recruiting, and next year...