I think your right. and I think there are a few reasons:
1. Chemistry - We haven't seen this type of chemistry at Uconn since 2002 with the last really great class with multiple star players. Sue said of that year that she and her classmates could have played with their eyes closed they were so in tune with each other. Moriah, Morgan, and Breanna are playing that way this year and it is noticeably better than it was last year.
2, History - the three seniors are playing for something that has never been done before in college basketball - men's or women's - 4 NCs. It is going to be a national story whether they succeed or fail. There was the same upsurge of both positive and negative when Maya and co were approaching and passing the holy grail of streaks - 88. There was a little less when Geno tied Wooden (coaching achievements have fewer storylines than teams with lots of players) and you can add 'passing Wooden' to the list of stories associated with this year. You may give two hoots about horse racing but you would love to claim to have been at the track for the Belmont Stakes when Secretariate ran - same with watching this team this year.
3. Last chance syndrome - everyone recognizes that this group of three very special players have at most three games left playing together. Last chance to compare, contrast, appreciate, (or denigrate.) And people also expect that Uconn dominance will not continue into next year so might as well catch the end of the era.
I don't think the shift will last beyond this tournament. In fact should Uconn dominate and win again next year it would produce a lot of negative press I think. With a candidate for GOAT and two other great players on this years team, you can marvel at beautiful domination - should it happen next year with two or all three gone, 'Uconn is bad' or 'Why can't others compete' stories would take over.
