I think this is overstated. Illinois has been so terrible for a long time, I think we could have more success with a coach who can come in and recruit out-of-staters really well--kids who aren't as familiar with Illinois--for a few seasons and build some success here. If we're winning, then a good recruiter will be able to recruit Chicago well, too.
Chicago talent still matters though and again, this is a perception thing. Like it or not, the narratives that the media drives get noticed. Being able to recruit out of Chicago may not be the only way to build a program, but its certainly a huge piece to the puzzle.
Jon Scheyer, Anthony Davis, Sherron Collins, Jahlil Okafor, Jabari Parker, Jalen Brunson, Derrick Rose.
Realistically, I'd say we had a legit shot at 1/2 of them, some due to the fact that they wouldn't even qualify academically, but it's still a 'problem' in terms of the narrative.
Getting 'respect' back for the program matters, which is why the hire has to be a big name or at least a recognizable one nationally. I have no doubt that Whitman will be able to sell this job to cream of the crop coaches and that's huge.