With no disrespect to the rest of the conference, the other 6 teams don't scare me which makes me try to 'aim to beat you' by default (and fail at it because your roster is still after all loaded with talent). Here's some of the problems I notice in the other 6 teams in this Great 8 conference and hence are the reasons why I think it's really just you and me unless things significantly change:
Dawesville Hoops: Game shape issues and his top 2 players on wage are turnover prone.
The London Olympics: Just sold up half of his team, unless he replaces them I don't see them challenging. Also bad game shape.
Golden State Condas: Newbie team, so not enough talent to be a threat.
FlagRaisers: 21 player roster and running a base offence makes me question his managerial decisions.
TheFlyBallers: 6 player roster can't be good for game shape management, and besides I think my starting 5 is better anyway.
Kbrid: Again newbie team so lacking in talent.
Yes, you are right in saying that all of these teams will improve through training in one way or another but from what I saw in the other teams, I'd argue that out of the Great 8 teams mine will improve the most through training by seasons end.
Will be aiming to go 5-3 in the inter-conference match-ups (top 3 teams in the Big 8 are likely out of reach for my team). I imagine you'll be wanting something closer to 7-1 or even 8-0 moose...