Tyler Herro has absolutely been balling out for the Miami Heat this season. So much so, that the 22-year-old has run away as the firm favorite for this season's Sixth Man of the Year award. At this point in his career, it's almost easy to forget that this young man is just in his third year in the league.

Tyler Herro definitely has the makings of a future superstar. He's on the right track, and the major leap he's taken this season serves as a testament to this notion. As it turns out, there's one particular NBA superstar that Herro models his game after. The Heat stud recently opened up about his relationship with Phoenix Suns star and fellow Kentucky alumnus Devin Booker, who apparently, has played a significant role in Herro's career thus far:

“He reached out to me at Kentucky, when I was at school,” Herro said of Booker, via Shandell Richardson of FanNation. “It might have been even in high school. So I kept our relationship with him, and early in my career I continue to model my game after him, watching what he does.”

Devin Booker is an excellent choice for anyone to pattern their game after. The Suns All-Star guard has been an absolute beast throughout the season as he's led his team to the best record in the NBA. Right now, Phoenix is considered as one of the dark horses to win it all this year.

Herro is not bad himself. The 6-foot-5 shooting guard is averaging career-best numbers of 20.8 points on 44.2 percent shooting, 4.8 rebounds, and 4.0 assists, while also connecting on 2.6 triples per game on a highly efficient 38.8-percent clip. The Heat currently possess the best record in the Eastern Conference and there's no denying that Herro has been integral to this team's success.

Miami head coach Erik Spoelstra also shared his thoughts on Herro and his relationship with Devin Booker. Coach Spo recognized how the Kentucky connection runs deep and how Book has helped guide Herro in his career:

“That’s that Kentucky mafia fraternity,” Spoelstra said. “I think he’s been a great mentor and resource for Tyler going back to his year in college. I can see the comparisons. I don’t like to get into the comparisons. Book is a world-class player at this point in his career. He’s helped take a team from basically the bottom of the league to the NBA Finals. He’s an Olympian and multiple-year All-Star. Tyler’s just getting going, but he’s doing some fantastic things for us. We’re really pleased with his progress, how he’s developed and he’s really learning how to impact winning on both sides of the floor.”

As Spoelstra said, the comparisons are indeed there between these two studs. Herro is not yet at the same level as Booker but it's easy to imagine Tyler reaching the same heights as his mentor.

The Heat and the Suns face off against each other on Wednesday night in a best of the East versus the best of the West battle. Devin Booker is finally available following a four-game layoff after entering the league's health and safety protocols. Friendships will temporarily be set aside for this one as both teams look to mark a statement victory in what could very well be a preview of the 2022 NBA Finals.