I don't think the players play any differently and the coaches do not coach any differently because teams are shuffling around. We wanted to win before- so did Quse and Pitt. I think the fans want to see their team win the game that could be the last possible BE matchup between each other- it may add drama- but it is not a huge additional motivator for the players.
As an example heading into the Quse game this year- with both team ranked in the top ten (to start the season) you do not need to do anything but show up to get a 100% effort from the players.
This whole topic while important just feels dirty. I hope this ends as quickly as possible so we can focus on a having good year of basketball. We have great players- all the pieces we need to compete with anyone- if this could be done before the season starts at the very least it would make me pretty happy.
There has to be a mad scramble going on behind closed doors right now- holy molly.