I think the type of PG or lead guard or primary ball handler type and years of play available is a function of Zach in many ways in whether he comes back or not. It appears to me that some of Braden's skill set is a bit hampered by Zach and other skills enhanced by Zach. Braden's quickness ball handling and vision allow him to be effective in deferring to a low post Big that is great when having pressure on him...sustaining that pressure until the right time something that caused problems for other PGs Purdue had...further hindered by their inability to do something other than the 3 ball which at times was pressured. We saw within the offense...mainly Zach how pressure applied by the D and pretty much playing through Zach some difficulties for Purdue...that wouldn't have been a noticeable without Zach, but then a lot of other problems. Anyway, I think the needs and availability can change a bit after Zach leaves. Course I would love two Braden's...
Purdue just played MSU and their guards (a bit more combo) were quick and shooters/scorers...none that would fall under the PG or lead guard traditionally seen in their play. Yet players with their skill sets I believe may very well be effective "when" Zach leaves. When Zach leaves I think Purdue becomes a bit more up and down with a quicker pace along with a more open court.
A more open court IMO will enhance some and maybe have some others not as effective. "When" that happens guards such as we saw at MSU would be very effective since their ability to be a playmaker is easier due to spacing and pace. Space and pace would benefit Colvin as it would Braden. Fletcher would also benefit, but maybe not as much as Braden who then could operate more as he sees what is in front of him as opposed to being confined a bit today (which is best for the team).
NO way do I suggest Purdue will be better without Zach, just different which will enhance some players and hinder to a degree others and more importantly find an effective guard that can pressure the ball, handle the ball and score as well. I think it is pretty rare for a player to have the vision, passing and overall court savvy that braden has, but there are a LOT of players that can be effective in a more open court and possibly a quicker pace. To me...when your hub (Zach) is no longer at Purdue, the basketball team will take on a "slightly different" look than today whether the player in question is a one year or two year player.