God i hate this. It shouldn't be about what they can/can't do without pierce, it should be about what they've done this season, period.
You may not agree, but whatever. Let's say Illinois starters all get hurt tomorrow. They should still be a 1 seed based on what they've done, not what the committee now thinks they can do. If you base it off of what you think teams can do, you should just make the bracket before the season starts based on potential.