With regards to not being able to convince one of the great mid-major coaches to jump to U of I on our last hire when Thomas had to settle on Groce, there is a BIG difference this time around: Josh Whitman is running the show this time around.
I was one of the few Weber supporters left, so I wasn't happy with his firing, and thought Thomas Eff'd up that whole thing. I believe most coaches know that Bruce Weber is a really good coach and that Mike Thomas messed up too, so there is a good chance no one wanted to come work for Mike Thomas after how he mistreated a very respected Bruce Weber. (Namely, not giving him public support in the middle of the season)
IF Whitman decides to move on from Groce, he'll have much better options. First off, b/c he's a better salesman and more likable man. He also supported Groce through difficult times and gave him a chance to succeed. Whitman may be able to convince a really good basketball coach to come to the University of Illinois and lead us back to greatness. This job has as much potential as any non Blueblood program.