Former Tar Heel a crucial part of Michigan’s Final Four run

Sometimes, all players need are a change of scenery to reach their full potential. Such is the case with former UNC guard Elliot Cadeau, who is now thriving as Michigan’s starting point guard.

Cadeau was a solid guard at North Carolina, known for his aggressive play style that mixed assists with turnovers, but something always felt off. The fans loved Cadeau, then hated him, which angered and confused his family members.

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Now in Ann Arbor, Cadeau will play in his first Final Four over Easter weekend, with Michigan facing Arizona on Saturday night in a National Championship-esque matchup.

The Tar Heels, who blew a 19-point lead to VCU in their NCAA Tournament opener, are simultaneously watching at home and searching for another head coach.

What’s working so well for Cadeau this season? For one, he’s averaging a career high 10.2 points per game, his lone season in double-digits. Cadeau’s ball-sharing abilities are on full display, with his 5.8 assists per game 35th nationally.

In each of Michigan’s first four NCAA Tournament games, Cadeau either has 10 points or assists per game. The Wolverines obliterated Tennessee in the Elite Eight, 95-62, with Cadeau dishing out 10 assists.

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Helping Cadeau’s case is playing with healthy, arguably more talented team at Michigan. Big 10 Player of the Year Yaxel Lendeborg (15.2 PPG), forward Morez Johnson Jr. (13.2) and center Aday Mara (11.8) all also score in double-figures, while providing a nearly-impenetrable defense.

Cadeau isn’t shy about sharing his feelings on UNC, previously throwing shade in a Big 10 Tournament win over Wisconsin. Can you blame him?

If Cadeau played on the 2025-26 Tar Heels, how much different would their season play out? Would North Carolina be in the Final Four, or was there too much dysfunction in Chapel Hill?

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This article originally appeared on Tar…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/former-tar-heel-crucial-part-130206985.html

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Publish date : 2026-03-31 13:02:00

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