Basketball fans, get ready to meet a name that’s buzzing across courts and headlines alike—Elliot Cadeau. This young point guard brings electrifying energy, jaw-dropping skills, and a story that hooks you from the start. As of April 4, 2025, Cadeau’s journey takes a thrilling turn with his recent transfer from the North Carolina Tar Heels to the Michigan Wolverines. With two standout seasons already under his belt and a global impact off the court, this 20-year-old sensation proves he’s more than just a player—he’s a game-changer. Let’s dive into who Elliot Cadeau is, where he’s been, and what’s next for this hoops prodigy.
From Brooklyn to the Big Leagues: Cadeau’s Early Days
Elliot Cadeau entered the world on September 4, 2004, in Brooklyn, New York, a city pulsing with energy and dreams. His parents, James and Michelle, shape his unique identity—his father hails from Haiti, and his mother brings Swedish roots from Skåne. Growing up in West Orange, New Jersey, Cadeau’s childhood bursts with sports. He loves football and cheers for the New York Jets, but his mom steers him away from the gridiron’s risks. Instead, she nudges him toward basketball, a decision that sparks his lifelong passion. By fifth grade, he ditches baseball, soccer, and tennis to focus solely on hoops.
Cadeau’s talent shines early. He attends The Patrick School in Hillside, New Jersey, for seventh and eighth grade, sharpening his skills. Playing for Sports U/Team IZOD, he helped clinch the 2019 Under Armour Nationals, showing off his flair as a young playmaker. High school brings him to Bergen Catholic in Oradell, where he starts as a freshman point guard. Despite a shortened season due to COVID-19, he averages 11.3 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game. His performance earned him a spot on the MaxPreps Freshman All-American First Team. However, an ankle sprain sidelined him for his entire sophomore year, testing his grit. Undeterred, he transfers to Link Academy in Branson, Missouri, for his junior year, setting the stage for bigger things.
Breaking Barriers: The NIL Trailblazer
Elliot Cadeau doesn’t just play basketball—he rewrites the rules. On January 1, 2022, he became the first high school athlete to sign with Roc Nation Sports for Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) representation. This move marks a seismic shift in amateur sports. Then, in April 2022, he inked a groundbreaking deal with Swedish vitamin drink company Vitamin Well, becoming the first American high school athlete to land an international NIL contract. Earning five figures, he posts on social media twice a month for the brand, blending his Swedish heritage with his rising stardom.
Cadeau’s business savvy doesn’t stop there. He signs deals with Leaf Trading Cards, Wilson Sporting Goods, and Swedish company Flowlife, which focuses on exercise and recovery products. On top of that, he launches his own clothing line, Elliot Cadeau Wear, and builds a website to connect with fans. Represented by Roc Nation, he blazes a trail for young athletes everywhere. His dual American-Swedish citizenship fuels his drive to bridge cultures, and these deals reflect his ambition to shine both on and off the court. While some college stars chase bigger brands, Cadeau’s early hustle sets him apart as a pioneer.
The College Choice: From UNC to Michigan
Cadeau’s college journey kicks off with a bang. In September 2022, he visited Texas Tech, a school he calls his childhood dream. A month later, he tours North Carolina, soaking in the Tar Heels’ storied legacy. On December 28, 2022, he committed to UNC coach Hubert Davis, drawn by the program’s prestige and vision. To fast-track his career, he reclassified from the 2024 class to 2023, enrolling at UNC after his junior year at Link Academy. This bold move showcases his hunger to compete at the highest level sooner rather than later.
His freshman year at North Carolina dazzles fans. Playing in 37 games and starting 31, Cadeau averaged 7.3 points and 4.1 assists per game. On February 10, 2024, he erupted for a career-high 19 points and eight assists against Miami, proving he belongs among the elite. As a sophomore in 2024-25, he stepped up even more, averaging 9.4 points and 6.2 assists per game—second in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) for assists. On January 21, 2025, he dishes out a career-best 13 assists alongside 14 points against Wake Forest. Yet, despite his growth, UNC struggles with a 23-14 record, prompting whispers of change.
Then, on March 31, 2025, Cadeau drops a bombshell—he transfers to the University of Michigan. Entering the portal with a “do not contact” tag, he signals a clear plan. Michigan coach Dusty May and his staff swoop in, believing Cadeau’s dynamic playmaking fits their fast-paced offense. With two years of eligibility left, he joins a Wolverines squad eager to rebuild after losing key guards. Fans buzz with excitement, wondering how he’ll elevate Michigan’s game in the Big Ten. This move marks a fresh chapter, blending his past success with new opportunities.
On the Court: What Makes Cadeau Special
Elliot Cadeau doesn’t just play—he dazzles. Standing at 6-foot-1 and 180 pounds, he blends speed, strength, and smarts into a lethal package. His athleticism pops with a 41.5-inch vertical leap, measured at the 2023 Basketball Without Borders event. Unlike many guards, he controls his jumps without losing balance, slamming dunks with ease. His midrange game shines as he stops on a dime and nails pull-up jumpers. From beyond the arc, he improves steadily, hitting 33.7% of his three-pointers as a sophomore, up from 18.9% as a freshman.
What sets Cadeau apart? His passing. Ranking 14th nationally with a 38.2% assist rate, he creates shots others can’t. In ACC play, his 37.7% assist rate tops the conference, with 3.4 assists per game on shots at the rim landing him in the 99th percentile nationwide. He scores when needed—18 games in double figures during 2024-25—but thrives as a floor general. Defensively, he hounds opponents, averaging 1.1 steals per game. UNC coach Hubert Davis praises his leadership, noting how he holds teammates accountable while lifting their spirits. Cadeau’s game evolves fast, and Michigan fans salivate at the thought of his next leap.
Beyond Basketball: A Global Impact
Cadeau’s influence stretches far beyond the hardwood. His Swedish roots fuel a mission to grow basketball in Scandinavia. Playing for Sweden’s national teams, he wins gold at the 2019 North Sea Development Basketball Cup (U15), the 2020 Baltic Sea Basketball Cup (U16), and the 2021 U18 Nordic Championships. In 2024, he launches Team Cadeau, a platform to help Swedish players gain exposure in the U.S. Hosting camps in Sweden and bringing teams to compete on the MADE Hoops Circuit, he opens doors for young talent. Tryouts in Stockholm and Malmö draw eager hopefuls, and plans for 2025 camps signal more to come.
His charity work earns headlines too. On January 10, 2025, news breaks that Cadeau will receive the 2025 Global Impact Martin Luther King Jr. Award. This honor celebrates his efforts—free camps for underprivileged kids in New Jersey and North Carolina, school supplies for the Hargrave Center in Chapel Hill, and gear for his elementary school’s teams. He also aims to restore basketball courts in Sweden, Haiti, and New Jersey, giving back to his roots. Whether dishing assists or uplifting communities, Cadeau embodies a legacy of impact. His story inspires, showing basketball’s power to connect and uplift.
The Road Ahead: What’s Next for Cadeau?
As spring 2025 unfolds, Elliot Cadeau gears up for his Michigan debut. The Wolverines lose graduate guard Rubin Jones, and Tre Donaldson’s future remains uncertain, leaving Cadeau poised to claim the starting point guard role. Coach Dusty May envisions him running an offense tailored to his strengths—speed, vision, and teamwork. After averaging 9.2 points, 5.9 assists, and 2.8 rebounds in his final UNC season, Cadeau brings proven chops. His 48.1% shooting inside the arc and growing three-point range hint at untapped potential. Michigan’s 2025-26 season looms as a proving ground.
Off the court, Cadeau’s NIL empire grows. With Vitamin Well, Flowlife, and his clothing line thriving, he balances fame and focus. His Team Cadeau project expands, promising more camps and exposure for Swedish players. NBA scouts already circle, eyeing his playmaking and athleticism. Two more college years offer a runway to refine his game—perhaps boosting that three-point shot or adding muscle to his frame. Fans wonder: will Michigan be his launchpad to the pros? For now, Cadeau keeps his eyes on the prize, ready to dazzle Ann Arbor and beyond.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What makes Elliot Cadeau’s playing style unique compared to other college guards?
Elliot Cadeau dazzles with a mix of speed, vision, and control that sets him apart from the pack. He boasts a 41.5-inch vertical leap, letting him soar for dunks while keeping his balance—something many guards struggle to match. His passing game shines brightest, ranking him 14th nationally with a 38.2% assist rate, dishing out assists like a maestro conducting an orchestra. Plus, he improves his three-point shooting each year, hitting 33.7% as a sophomore, making him a growing threat from deep.
2. Why did Elliot Cadeau decide to transfer from North Carolina to Michigan?
Swift Cadeau’s move from UNC to Michigan stems from a hunger for the right fit and a fresh start after a rocky TarHeel season. He commits to Michigan on March 31, 2025, drawn by coach Dusty May’s belief in his skills and an offense that suits his playmaking flair. UNC finishes 2024-25 at 23-14, and despite his solid stats—9.4 points and 6.2 assists per game—team struggles push him to seek a new challenge. Michigan offers a chance to lead and win with players who complement his style.
3. How does Cadeau balance his basketball career with his charity work and NIL deals?
Jayden Elliot Cadeau juggles his packed life with a focus and drive that impresses anyone who watches him work. On the court, he logs 27.2 minutes per game while averaging nearly six assists, showing his dedication to basketball stays rock-solid. Off it, he runs Team Cadeau, hosts camps, and supports kids with supplies and gear, pouring energy into causes he loves. His NIL deals—like Vitamin Well and Flowlife—fit seamlessly, with simple tasks like social media posts keeping his brand humming without stealing his focus.
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