UNC Basketball: Elliot Cadeau considered a “Sleeper One-And-Done”

The UNC basketball guard is considered to be a potential “one-and-done” player, as he may not be in Chapel Hill for long.

Before the start of the annual college basketball season, much talk typically surrounds the incoming freshman classes.

Some freshmen are considered to be “locks” to be “one-and-done” players, essentially making a pit stop at their respective colleges. For others, they come into their freshman season with not as much attention surrounding them and prove to be ready for the next level with their stellar play.

For Elliot Cadeau, UNC basketball fans know all about him and are excited to see him in live action, but the Tar Heels’ new point guard is considered to be a “sleeper one-and-done” NBA Draft prospect by On3’s Jamie Shaw.

In a recent post, Shaw ranked players who were outside of On3’s top 25 rankings for the 2023 recruiting class who could hear their names called in the NBA Draft. Cadeau made Shaw’s list, as here’s what he had to say regarding the UNC basketball freshman:

"The step that Elliot Cadeau took in the last six to eight months has been steep. He was already tracking as one of the top lead guards in his high school class. Since February, and through Geico Nationals and EYBL play, Cadeau has become now of the most intriguing set-up men in domestic amateur basketball. The question is his size, as the NBA has been moving toward taller, more lengthy playmakers. He will have the opportunity to show his abilities at UNC this year. There is a clear pathway for started minutes at point guard with a veteran team around him. Cadeau is quick-twitch on both ends of the floor, able to guard the ball in open space, touch the paint, and make a read in traffic. With a good start to the season, he could quickly move up NBA Draft boards."

It’s important to remember that Cadeau re-classified to join the UNC basketball program a season early, which is why he wasn’t as highly ranked in the 2023 recruiting class. He was a consensus top-10 prospect in the Class of 2024 but elected to move up his timeline to join the Tar Heels now.

He may be considered a “sleeper” among the incoming freshman class, but UNC basketball fans know very well what they can expect from Cadeau, who has the skill set to be the true ball handler and facilitator that the Tar Heels need.

The UNC basketball program hopes to avenge last year’s disappointing season by returning to prominence during the 2023-2024 campaign. Cadeau is expected to play a huge role on this year’s squad, as his early success could translate towards success for the entire program throughout the season.

This is your fair warning: don’t sleep on Elliot Cadeau. He has the makings of being the next star point guard to wear the Carolina blue.

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