The problem with a Big helping like Zach is Zach's man on the boards and possible dump depending on who is defending him. That is always the risk. It could be as simple as Ike setting a ball screen for Hickman and Hickman threatens the drive and Zach is now on D containing Hickman and Ike rolls to the rim with Lance or Braden fronting him all the while Hickman holds Zach's attention as a threat to score. Now which 3 or 4 is in the area to take Ike and switch with Braden or Lance on this 6'9" guy...can Trey get to him or is he occupied on a shooter elsewhere? There are many other ways, but when a 6'8" or 6'10" is on a screen with anyone who is 6' to 6'4" (screens with the 1,2 or 3) problems can be seconds away.You’re correct in that Gregg is 6’10 and probably stronger than Loyer. I wonder if Zach can play somewhat of a floating zone to help out with other post ups…either way it’s going to be a great chess match to watch.
I don't know whether we see Zach in drop or the way he played against Gonzaga and other teams that spent a lot of time with 5 behind the arc. I know Purdue needs to keep them out of the lane as much as possible or hope they miss the mid range shots and I don't like "hope" as an effective ploy. Purdue does not want to lose ZAch and so he will be a bit passive to protect fouls until later in the game "IF" he is in good shape to start to challenge shots. Their starting 3 man is bigger and Purdue's starting 3 man is probably quicker and who wins that may cause the first change. Zach is very vulnerable to the bounce pass in drop or a bit higher in the lane with a player driving the ball that can pass. How Purdue's 3 man play will be interesting as well as Zach and Braden. I have to believe that Purdues 2 & 4 hold their own, but again all of this is from other's statements and not me seeing them in depth.
The less Zach is in space and moving the less likely he gets much activity and chances for a foul, but if you bring the sag to stop penetration, then you give a better look for their 3 ball. Hopefully Purdue has a few openings to push the ball and we get the controlled, but fast Lance to finish. Watch to see if and on what players if any Purdue goes under the screen. The more Purdue can go under if Matt chances that the better position Purdue can defend....as long as going under doesn't result on a 3 ball made