As of yesterday there were 80 B1G players in the TP. The lowest number of transfers belonged to Purdue (2). Three schools have seven transfers. The gophers have six transfers.
Nobody on the board is arguing that CBJ is a top notch coach. However, to blame Johnson for a systemic problem is myopic.
No one is blaming him for the problem. They are blaming his ability to adjust to the new reality.
The argument is that he is worse than most coaches at adapting to the new system. As you have pointed out, it impacts everyone. It gutted Rutgers last year. Wisconsin lost one of the best players in the country (arguably). It destroyed Michigan.
Hell, we've probably brought in more talent than we've lost in the portal.
Arrivals: Garcia, Willis, Fox, Hawkins, Cooper, Mitchell, Loewe, Stephens, Sutherlin, Mitchell, Rigsby
vs.
Departures: Payne, Hawkins, Cooper, Henley, Thompson, Carrington.
These are the same rules and the same system that applies to similar-situated schools who have done a much better job than we have. The new system should not be an excuse for Ben Johnson, navigating that system is part of his job.
Now, if we add a couple of pieces and we end up going over .500 in the Big 10 and make the tournament, Ben should get kudos. Part of that kudos would be due to his ability to navigate the new world of college basketball.