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

3. Sharp-shooting abilities

Van Der Heijden’s staple skill is perimeter shooting; he shot the deep ball at a staggering 45 percent clip last season.

Just as a team can never have too many passers, it definitely can’t have too many guys that can shoot the rock. In many ways, he draws similarities to former Cardinal Ryan McMahon in terms of complex skillsets. Van Der Heijden is a distinguished shooter; he excels in catch-and-shoot situations and creating his own shot. He will be able to step in to fulfill the role that McMahon played as a go-to perimeter threat.

Watch: Eric Van Der Heijden’s junior season highlight sample

Take this as you will Louisville fans, but Van Der Heijden’s tactics are reminiscient of Kentucky standout Tyler Herro. Both move extremely well off the ball, have solid mechanics in their respective jumpshots, and can knock down the deep ball in a variety of ways.

Look for Mack to design plays for Van Der Heijden to get a shot off, mostly likely through the use of screen(s). Will he become one of the nation’s best three-point shooters? Possibly, but probably not. However, he does project as a reliable one that has the potential to impact almost any game he appears in.