Backcourt overhaul: Former UNC guard Elliot Cadeau finds new home; Heels seek replacements
North Carolina will have a new look to its starting backcourt next season with R.J. Davis using up his eligibility and now Elliot Cadeau deciding to transfer.
Cadeau, who entered the NCAA transfer portal March 25, used his social media accounts Monday to pass along the news he had made a commitment to play at Michigan.
The 6-1 point guard finished second in assists in the ACC with 6.2 a game, with a season-high 13 against Wake Forest, and averaged 9.4 points a game. His late-game defense also helped the Tar Heels pull out some close games — UCLA, Notre Dame and N.C. State among them.
Against the Irish, Cadeau made a late 3-pointer and was fouled, converting it into a 4-point play to give UNC the lead. He then stopped Notre Dame’s Marcus Burton on a final drive to seal it.
But Cadeau’s inconsistency in his sophomore year was a season-long problem. He often fell into early game foul trouble. He averaged 3.1 turnovers a game, the second-highest total in the ACC. His shooting was spotty.
Cadeau had four points and four rebounds, with eight assists, as UNC’s season came to an end with a 71-64 loss to Mississippi in the NCAA tournament. He had 12 assists in the easy win over San Diego State in the NCAA First Four game.
Cadeau’s departure has the Heels looking for someone to run the team.
But who?
Three of the top point guards who entered the portal, as rated by 247Sports, are off the board — Bennett Stirtz, who left Drake to transfer to Iowa; and Donovan Dent, now at UCLA after leaving New Mexico.
Dent, who averaged 20.4 points and 6.4 assists last season, was believed to be a top target for the Tar Heels, according to various recruiting sites. UCLA announced his commitment Tuesday.
Dedan Thomas Jr. played at UNLV this season, averaged 15.6 points and 4.7 assists and drew a lot of interest in the portal. He has committed to play at LSU.
Multiple reports have 6-3 guard Nick Boyd of San Diego State showing interest in UNC. Boyd averaged 13.4 points and 3.9 assists this season.
The Tar Heels have a pair of combo-guard recruits coming in for next season: Derek Dixon and Isaiah Denis. They are 4-star prospects, and the 6-3 Dixon is a potential option at point guard, but also could get a look at replacing Davis, the Heels’ leading scorer last season.
Cadeau was a five-star recruit who reclassified to play at UNC in the 2023-24 season. The New Jersey native said it was “the best decision for my development and getting better as a player.”
Cadeau was one of two UNC players entering the portal March 25. Post player Jalen Washington also put his name in the portal but has not chosen a new school.
UNC has hired former NBA and WNBA agent Jim Tanner as general manager of the men’s basketball program to oversee roster management and deal with players’ agents.
This story was originally published April 1, 2025 at 2:44 PM.
