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Louisville basketball: Three things to like about commit Eric Van Der Heijden

By Dalton Pence

LOUISVILLE, KY - NOVEMBER 17: Head coach Chris Mack of the Louisville basketball program is seen during the game against the North Carolina Central Eagles at KFC YUM! Center on November 17, 2019 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
LOUISVILLE, KY - NOVEMBER 17: Head coach Chris Mack of the Louisville basketball program is seen during the game against the North Carolina Central Eagles at KFC YUM! Center on November 17, 2019 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /
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CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA – MARCH 07: David Johnson #13 of the Louisville Cardinals drives past Kihei Clark #0 of the Virginia Cavaliers in the first half during a game at John Paul Jones Arena on March 7, 2020 in Charlottesville, Virginia. (Photo by Ryan M. Kelly/Getty Images) /

2. Court vision and passing

Let me start out by saying that I’m not predicting he will be a point guard or handle any of the ball-handling duties. However, a 6-foot-9 wing with the vision and ability to facilitate and set up his teammates does not come around very often.

A result of Van Der Heijden’s tremendous feel for the game is his ability to see plays developing and effectively find open teammates. Whether it be throwing alley oops or finding players on cuts, he is an extremely gifted passer for his size.

Related: Gabe Wiznitzer checks all of the boxes for the Cards

Now, let’s be realistic; he’s not going to be a guy that will come close to leading the team in assists, nor will he be the best passer on the squad. As a wing, he’s not going to be asked to do either of those things either.

However, a team can never have too many selfless facilitators on the court. Being able to pass effectively gives the Louisville offense more cohesive flow and potentially creates more offense.

Previously stated, it’s not a common trait for players of his size, and that will be a luxury for Louisville.

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