In our latest Phenom Hoops’ recruitment update, we check in on 2021 6’9 Eric Van Der Heijden from Millbrook high school. Helping his team out to a 15-1 record and already pegged as one of the top teams in the state, Van Der Heijden has been one of the key figures for the program this year.
His recruitment has certainly been picking up, especially after his latest performances in December. He has picked up offers from Ole Miss, Stetson, and East Carolina in the past few weeks, now joining Old Dominion and George Washington.
“I’m just very grateful to receive the offers and interests,” he recently said. “As of right now, I think it is too early in the game to say I have a certain favorite offer and I’m trying to keep my options open as much as possible… I’m considering all of my offers up to this point in time.”
If you have seen though, some big-time schools have been coming his way, catching Van Der Heijden in action and expressing some interest. ACC schools, along with others, have been coming his way and checking out the 6’9 prospect in what he has to offer.
“A lot of schools are now reaching out to me like NC State, North Carolina, Virginia Tech, UAB, and Marquette. Some schools came before then to watch games and practices like Clemson, Notre Dame, and Cincinnati.”
ACC schools like NC State, UNC, and Virginia Tech have all mentioned that they are interested in his game, but as he said: “there wasn’t really anything special.”
Clemson, Notre Dame, and Cincinnati though have been speaking to Van Der Heijden more than the others.
“So, I’ve met with one of the Cincinnati coaches and he wanted to pick my mind on basketball and give an overview of the program,” he replied. “Notre Dame just came to one of my games and Clemson came to a practice, also complimenting me on my development.”
Right now, Van Der Heijden has visited Virginia Tech and he will be visiting NC State this weekend for an unofficial visit.
He also mentioned that he has stayed close with the coaches that he has met but the closest bond he has been developed with is with George Washington right now.