These kids all know each other and talk. They talk in the AAU system in HS, and they sure as hell talk once they are in programs.
Underwood fucked himself and the program this year with his antics and the culture being a mess.
The balance of power has shifted and these guys can get big NIL money any number of places and not have to listen to a crazy angry fuck who has never advanced in the tourney in 7 tries.
He needs to find a couple kids willing to take a chance on him and then repair the program reputation.
The ILLINI program will have to go the route of the no yelling Army Basic Training IMO. The ranting/overblown reactions/temper tantrums on the side line has played out I am afraid. Recruits in college need motivation, but we are in a different world, like it or not. I think it's BS really, but it is what it is moving forward. BU best find another way to motivate and teach, or Whitman may have to make a decision that neither wants to happen.
I mean look at the Final Four Teams. Not one coach (May/Hurley/Larranaga/Dutcher) were any way shape or form even near BU sideline/practice/media press conference antics.
Even if you get to the Elite Eight this year....(the above 4 + Tang/Few/Terry/McDermott) None are even close to BU overall standards of conduct/demeanor on the court, I would imagine practice are just as rough if not worse, since cameras are off.
Not sure there is a happy medium anymore, but I do know right or wrong the Bobby Knight coaching days for the most part are done, too many easier ways out nowadays, why subject yourself as a 18-20 yr old to this?