What does Elliott Cadeau bring to the Michigan Wolverines after transferring from the North Carolina Tar Heels? One CBB analyst says he has an “X factor” quality that could push Michigan over the top.
Elliot Cadeau Makes Michigan Hoops Dangerous in 2025
The former University of North Carolina point guard heads to a desperate Michigan team that needed backcourt scoring. The former five-star recruit departed Chapel Hill for Ann Arbor on March 31.
During his 74-game career as a Tar Heel, the Branson, Mo. native averaged 8.3 points and 5.1 assists on 43.2% shooting from the field and 65% from the line.
With two seasons of eligibility, Cadeau provides leadership and the ability to distribute the ball in a clean, efficient manner. 24/7 Sports basketball columnist Isaac Trotter envisions the newest Wolverine as a player to watch, stating:
“He is tantalizing at times, with his ability to get to the paint at will. To get those big fellas the ball. But it comes down to consistency with that jumper. What type of defender are you getting with Elliot Cadeau?
“There’s been times when he’s a good defender. There’s been times when he actively hurts your defense, with some ole defense. If they can unlock him, can he lead the Big Ten in assists next year? That’s not crazy with this roster construction. A lot of things are hinging on Cadeau being good.”
Leaving Carolina
So, why would Cadeau leave a basketball blueblood? The behind-the-scenes thoughts surround the fact that Cadeau, who isn’t a three-point shooter (28.1%), didn’t fit into what head coach Hubert Davis wanted to establish at UNC, which revolves around guards launching threes and the bigs battling underneath.
To his credit, the player and his representatives remained quiet in regard to the transfer. Cadeau’s mother took to Facebook last month to discuss her viewpoint, explaining via 24/7 Sports:
“We have loved being at UNC, loved the team, loved the friends we have met, loved all the fans who has cheered him (and me) on,” “This was his dream and he gave it everything he had for two years. I’m proud of him making a choice he felt he had to do to get to where he wants to be.
“It was not easy — because we never had in our plans to transfer but he felt this was what was needed. We are now so excited for the summer, the work, and the upcoming season. Michigan, we can’t wait to meet you!!! GO BLUE!!!”
In a world where enmity blossoms like a weed, the Cadeaus took the absolute high road. They didn’t disparage North Carolina. Instead, the family looks forward to the future in Michigan.
Overview
To say that Dusty May’s Wolverines needed a floor general who distributes feels like an understatement. The offense will center around big men like Danny Wolk. Now, thanks to the portal, UM added a trio of frontcourt talents that will feast due to their new point guard.
Center Aday Mara (UCLA) and power forwards Morez Johnson Jr. (Illinois) and Yaxel Lendeborg (UAB) all should thrive with the entry passes that should end up in easier chances, closest to the rim, making defense play everyone straight up.
Cadeau and his representatives handled business in the most professional manner possible. Without malice, he handled the portal departure and subsequent arrival with class. Now, with the formalities out of the way, he needs to get down to business and lead the team, feeding the post and cashing in on kickouts.
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Cadeau still must find a way to extend his shooting range. Similarly, he must evolve into a more active defender, attempting to turning defense into offense by way of the transition game.
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