OFFENSE
Despite qualifying as a pure facilitator who’s constantly hunting for passing windows and efficient shots for others, Keye van der Vuurst has managed to put up a career-high 10.3 points per game in the Liga Endesa so far. As scorer, the bulk of Keye’s production relies on high-picks and his ability to manipulate screens as primary ball-handler getting enough room and separation for his own shot (4.5pts per game). He usually will go for a jumper over a floater or a layup in mid-court after the screen, but the Dutchman is also a capable threat on catch-and-shoot plays posting almost 2pts per night in such situations (1.24 PPP).
#LigaEndesa ICYMI Keye van der Vuurst de Vries had a blast last weekend despite the loss vs Zaragoza: a season-high 24pts, 5asts & 7/10 threes
The 6'3 guard keeps improving his stock at Palencia: natural ball-screen facilitator shooting 41.1 3P% after 15 games #FibaYouthBball 🇳🇱 pic.twitter.com/2NSNtQQRLG
— MaceoBaller (@MaceoBaller16) December 22, 2023
Keye has shot a clip of 35.7% from three over five 3FG per game hitting three or more triples six times this season. In a way, van der Vuurst’s firepower from downtown compensates for the lack of consistent rim pressure. He’s hit a 37% of his shots in the paint but at a low volume (30FG in the painted area for the season) due to his mentioned below-the-rim athleticism and some improvable off-hand finishing. Therefore, Keye’s shot is a high-quality weapon that stretches the floor and allows him to slide into the two-guard role at will, although his one-motion stroke could yet be more balanced and dangerous if he was able to raise his set point just an inch or two.
PLAYMAKING
As appealing as Keye van der Vuurst de Vries’ offensive versatility has become, he is a proper difference-maker when the ball is in his hand and gets to showcase his ball-screen instincts and terrific vision. It all starts with Keye’s low-dribble setting the tempo. No rush but patience and craft to work with his big man. Screen, rescreen, give-and-go, restart the play if needed, and all the sudden go for it and keep the dribble alive drawing new angles and passing lanes. Van der Vuurst is deceptively cold with the rock, not flashy but straight and simple on his method, and he can surprise defenses with brilliant openings and unexpected deliveries that might look easy on the eye but are far from it.
#LigaEndesa Dont look now, but Keye van der Vuurst de Vries (01) had a season-high 11ast (just 1TO) in a loss vs FC Barcelona on Sunday
Awesome playmaking package & improved ATO ratio (1.83) in full display for one of the most exciting young guards in Europe #FibaYouthBball 🇳🇱 pic.twitter.com/GdfodHGSFj
— MaceoBaller (@MaceoBaller16) January 31, 2024
What’s the catch with Keye’s playmaking game, then? There’s of course a catch with every ball-guard, and with van der Vuurst it is the turnovers (2.7 TOs per game). A large amount of them come when Keye forces the issue holding onto the ball for too long and the passing window closes. At times, he gets careless in the lane going against bigger matchups and driving into a turnover. Other times he simply won’t see the help defender or the deflection coming his way.
However, it’s important to point out that since new Head-Coach Luis Guil replaced Marco Justo at the helm of Palencia last December, van der Vuurst has definitely established himself as the team main initiator and improved a great deal his ball security and A:TO ratio (2.81). The Dutchman has reached the double digit of assists in three games under Guil (Sergio Scariolo’s assistant in the Spanish national team) and more importantly, registered 2 or less TOs also in three games.
It’s time now for us to break down Keye van der Vuurst de Vries’ on-ball creation step by step.
