All in all I think this is the right move, the problems from the previous year are all gone, being short handed from the start (as others have mentioned) I thought that this season would be difficult. With some of the injuries Illinois had only 7-8 scholarship players and a walk-on for many of the games. During a stretch when Alex W. was hurt, they only had one player over 6'. In a few games when Alex and Chatrice got into foul trouble they had to play with five guards, they actually did pretty good but rebounding was a challenge.
The biggest difference from the previous season and this last one that I noticed, was how close this team seemed to be, no one pouting on the bench, everyone being supportive. The core of this team is Freshmen and Sophomores, they are talented, and have four more good recruits coming in next year.
The team was in many of its games at the end of the 3rd quarter, but foul trouble, fatigue and inexperience usually did them in during the fourth quarter. Barring more injuries I think this team will make big strides next year, not for the B1G title but to be at .500 or better.
Matt is a really good coach and he can recruit, the mess from the past year is for the most part over (hopefully). With the players coming back and healthy, the 4 recruits coming in (probably pick up a 5th year transfer) things are looking up. But if the team doesn't improve, well we know what will happen.
