I never really took realignment seriously. Or, seriously enough. It was like this giant board game, like Monopoly, where you collected schools and traded them. It was a lot of fun to play, but you never really thought it would happen. I sure as heck didn’t think it would happen here.

Not once, not twice, but three times.

Realignment is a lot like moving to a new city. You leave your old friends, memories and life behind. You look to a new life, with new friends and memories.

Many times, you leave in search of a better life. The truth is, it’s a gamble. There are always trade-offs. You hope the pros outweigh the cons.

Realignment here has been a lot like that.

For better or worse? I think it’s still unanswered. And depends on whom you ask. But probably a little of both.

Nebraska will always have money stacked on top of money in the Big Ten, and its academic programs and reputation feel the Big Ten love, too.

Creighton is where it always wanted to be, with “like-minded” brother schools. The breadwinner, Bluejay basketball, is set up to always have big-name opponents and easier access to the NCAA tournament and national recognition.

UNO traded a past identity for a new one. But moving every sport to Division I can only benefit UNO hockey, forcing the school to make all decisions with D-I in mind.

But there were trade-offs. Nebraska and Creighton both gave up a certain status in their old leagues and have been marginalized in their new lives.

For all the paranoia about Texas, the Huskers were a big deal in the Big 12. In the Big Ten, NU will never be Ohio State or Michigan, has no history in the league and looks like more of the rest of the pack. It’s a league where every member has money and facilities. There are many more roadblocks to a conference or national title in the Big Ten.

The challenge to add to NU’s rich football heritage will be harder than it ever was in the Big Eight or Big 12.

Meanwhile, Creighton was a big dog in the Missouri Valley, not only with some of the best hoops, but also crowds of 17,000 and the nicest arena in the league. Creighton stood out in the Valley.

That will be a challenge in the Big East and may never be the case. And with UConn joining the league next year, the Big East figures to be beefier and even more East-centric. UConn crowds will go back to dominating Madison Square Garden for the Big East tourney — the way Creightonians used to own St. Louis.

Just keep those games on FS1 and keep the strength of schedule high and the Big East tourney bids multiple.

As for UNO, there’s been a new identity in the community, a new arena and the exciting possibility of making NCAA Division I tournaments. But the move left a hole in the old UNO soul, and some will never get over it. Realignment is a tough customer.

The key to survival: Cover up the rearview mirror.