Concerning for sure. Any insights as far as any other factors or is the thought that it is purely a coach chemistry/confidence issue? I'd guess that Moos would be trying to get the players to be truthful on their core reasons for leaving, but might be hard to get them to throw a coach under the bus. With today's world, it is not out of the realm of possibility that players just want to be closer than their loved ones. Verbeek going from D1 to NAIA is puzzling to say the least. Even though she's going closer to home, Lincoln is not all that far from NW Iowa.
I suspect it is multi-factorial, rather than group-think. From what I can tell from a couple of people close to the program, it isn't a big problem with the coaches or assistants from a personality standpoint. These are good people who have a positive approach with the players. But yes, I suspect there is a lack of confidence that the program will win going forward. So from your post, that would be more of a confidence issue than a chemistry issue.
Mershon really struggled as a sophomore. Playing time and success on the floor was way down. My guess is at the postseason meeting, the coaches were candid with her about prospects for future playing time, and didn't encourage her to stay. Of course, they probably didn't know at that time about Verbeek and Brown.
Verbeek is extremely devout. It is believed she wanted to eliminate part of the massive time commitment being an upper D1 athlete puts in, to further faith and family. Could better prospects of future program success, which was dimming greatly, have overcome her self-searching? Who knows.
Brown I haven't heard and don't know. My guess is that is more frustration with the basketball and coaching end of things then the others.
The subtle suggestion by Coach that this was the result of the pandemic should be stifled. All teams at this level have out of state players away from home, and have to deal with the current environment. Transfers are part of the game, and are happening everywhere, but not at this level and not with this timing. Problems created by the pandemic not unique to us. Comes off as an excuse.
What got us in this situation is poor recruiting. This year's freshman class was a huge red flag for anyone willing to look at it objectively. In hindsight the sophomore class wasn't great either. Next year's class looks average, and non-existent at the crucial guard spot. 4 years into it and no point guard. Add in lacking the chops to produce quality player development and retain players, and Houston, we have a problem.