It will be a lousy season no matter how the teams do. There will be a lot of animosity amongst teams and it won't just be bb directed. Fortunately last season took place when it did. UConn can rest on its history even as the school has to start over again.
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.