JMO I don't think Brad ran Podz off.
We only had 5 returning players -
Coleman PF , RJ SF , Luke SF , Podz G and Brandin L C. Only Coleman had any significant playing time.
Incoming
-two transfers at SF (TSJ and MM) one transfer center (DD)
-Four freshman G (Skyy, Jayden, and Sencire) and PF (Ty)
Among the guards only Skyy was rated higher than Podz and it was well know he planned on being a one and done
I think Podz coming from small HS was a little overwhelmed by B10 level of play and decided he would be more comfortable as big fish in the small pond at UC Santa Clara. He left without giving Illinois a chance. After Skyy left there was plenty of playing time at guard. When Jayden struggled in February Brandon would probably have started or at least played as much as Ty. Illini were dying for outside shooter - his strength. He did not bet on himself.
UC Santa Clara was 23-10 and was eliminated first round by Sam Houston college in NIT. They only played only one P5 team beating CAL who was 3-29. They lost twice to Gonzaga (at home by 5 and by 18 in Spokane). Not exactly the same being at Illinois with UCLA, VA , Syracuse, TX and Missouri non conference, the b10, then Arkansas in NCAA.
Wish Podz had stayed but that is up to him.