This is why we need Brad and/or Josh to step in and manage the narrative, immediately if not sooner.
Why?
To pacify message board posters who revel in whining about how bad things are?
Everybody is aware that this past season was rough, and everybody is aware that we're undergoing serious roster turnover. But if we get somebody like Tevian Jones and/or Hinson to join a class with a 5* Chicago PG, then it becomes quite apparent that we are cleaning our house of kids that don't really fit our style, and bringing in kids that do.
This isn't unprecedented. Look at Frank Martin's rebuild at South Carolina. His first three seasons consisted of 14, 14, and 17 wins with lots and lots of turnover.
Look at Beilein at Michigan. His first season was a 10-win season -- a significant drop-off from what Amaker was doing before him. He rebounded in year two, but then year three was another disaster.
Matt Painter won 9 games his first year at Purdue.
Tony Bennett's first two seasons at UVA: 15-16, and 16-15.
Jay Wright's first three years at Villanova: 19, 15, and 18 wins -- all NIT bids.
Mick Cronin's first four years at Cincinnati: 11, 13, 18, and 19 wins -- no NCAA tournaments.
Rick Barnes' first two years at Tennessee: 15 and 16 wins.
Gregg Marshall's first two years at Wichita State: 11 and 17 wins.
Scumbag Pearl's first three seasons at Auburn: 15, 11, and 18 wins.
This is not unusual. And Illinois' situation isn't unique. We need to get a LOT better, but no......we don't need to wage some PR blitz to control the bleeding. This is what happens when non-elite programs rebuild.