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Michigan seeks to capture its first national title since 1989. To do so, Dusty May's side will rely on its guard play.
The Wolverines have long embraced their playmakers over the years, with standouts like Trey Burke, Jordan Poole and Mike Smith making waves. This year's iteration of the side has a diminutive floor general of its own to spearhead its attack: Elliot Cadeau.
Cadeau was Michigan's leading assist-getter in 2026. He'll look to keep the good times rolling in tournament play. He spearheaded the Wolverines' 95-72 win over St. Louis, tallying a game-best eight assists in the contest.
So, just who is Elliot Cadeau? And how did he become one of the nation's top playmakers? Here's what you need to know.
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Who is Elliot Cadeau?
Cadeau is a junior point guard who stars for Michigan. A West Orange, New Jersey native who initially shined at North Carolina, Cadeau joined the Wolverines' ranks ahead of the 2025-26 season. He's enjoyed a strong start to life in Ann Arbor, landing All-Big Ten honorable mention honors in his maiden Michigan campaign.
BENDER: Elliot Cadeau has been perfect fit at Michigan
Where is Elliot Cadeau from?
Cadeau hails from West Orange, a sleepy suburb of Essex County, New Jersey. The township boasts a population of a little more than 48,000. Cadeau isn't the first noteworthy athlete to emerge from the town's shores. Former Devils star and Hockey Hall of Fame Martin Brodeur called West Orange home, as did Mavericks standout Kyrie Irving.
Cadeau attended Bergen Catholic (NJ) before transferring to Link Academy (MO) as a junior. He landed five-star billing during his time at Link Academy, committing to join the Tar Heels ahead of the 2023-24 season.
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Elliot Cadeau parents
Cadeau's parents are James and Michelle Cadeau. They hail from different parts of the world — James is Haitian while Michelle is Swedish. Cadeau has Swedish citizenship through his mother. He has represented Sweden at international level, turning out for the country's gold-medal-winning FIBA U-18 European Championship Division B side. He made his senior international debut in February 2023, having received his first international call-up in November 2021 as a 17-year old.
Is Elliot Cadeau deaf?
Cadeau is deaf in his right ear. He was diagnosed with congenital hearing loss as a four-year old.
His disability hasn't prevented him from achieving on-court success. He stopped wearing a hearing aid as a teenager, embracing life without hearing in his right ear.
"Being deaf in one ear is normal for me," Cadeau told Andscape.
English (US)