Teddy G makes the point that this year's departures reflect the current dynamic of college basketball, they are not equivalent to the Foster exodus.
Brian James is the big man coach, having previously distinguished himself in the NBA. Pardon improved appreciably each year, Benson did not. Given James' history it may be more reasonable to point at Benson versus James. That is not to say Benson did not work incredibly hard to get better, which I understand he did. The Big Ten is the top tier of college basketball and some just won't get where they need to be.
Gaines was markedly improved. Greer and Kopp got noticeably better as the season went on. Other than injured players and Benson, there was good progress. Teddy G mailed this one in from 345 N. Michigan without any leg work or phone work.