it isn't easy to lose a HOF-caliber coach & continue to have success, outside of a select few programs. I'm very happy with the state of Badger basketball, not only because of the level they've been able to compete at under Gard, but because he's changed much of the offensive style w/o much of a blip in W-L, if any. And he seems to be about as comfortable with the portal aspect as you could hope to expect.
Rather than constantly robbing Peter to pay Paul, it's a huge plus if you can add a piece here, a piece there in the portal while still keeping your key guys. Early indications for next season seem to suggest that. John Blackwell made some comments right after the BYU game that strongly suggest he isn't going anywhere, and for awhile now reports on Winter have suggested the same. Anyone who remembers some of the quotes from Essegian last year at this time realize nothing is etched in stone, but it sounds encouraging.
This was a successful season, that at the same time leaves you wanting. Which is fine.