In Washington, Elliot Cadeau’s collection of compression leggings is running low this season. He’s now on his last pair, having damaged his previous ones with tears and blood stains during a dive for loose balls in a game against Florida State. With North Carolina playing back-to-back games in Washington, D.C., the freshman guard finds himself unable to replace them immediately. Cadeau often ends up tearing a pair of leggings each game due to the intense action on the court.
In the locker room, with visible cuts through his leggings, Cadeau shared that he already had a cut on his knee, which Doug Halverson, UNC’s head athletic trainer, attended to during the first half of Thursday’s game. Despite the inconvenience, Cadeau was determined to elevate North Carolina’s defensive game that afternoon.
Cadeau expressed his frustration, noting how every fall reopens his wounds. His relentless effort was evident in North Carolina’s 92-67 win over Florida State in the ACC Tournament quarterfinals, where he contributed eight points, six assists, four rebounds, and three steals. More than his stats, Cadeau significantly impacted the game’s dynamics.
In one notable instance, Cadeau dove for steals twice within 45 seconds in the first half. He disrupted Baba Miller’s dribble, causing a foul that led to a layup for Harrison Ingram as UNC took possession. Then, already bleeding, he battled Jaylan Gainey for a loose ball, securing possession for UNC.
Cadeau, standing at six feet or slightly over, believes his height gives him an advantage in snagging loose balls. His efforts contributed to North Carolina scoring 23 points off 12 Florida State turnovers, helping UNC to extend their lead significantly by the end of the first half.
Cadeau’s defensive prowess has grown, utilizing his athleticism to become a formidable defender against Division I offensive talents. Hubert Davis, UNC’s coach, praised Cadeau’s understanding of his defensive potential, highlighting his contributions to the team’s defensive efforts.
Cadeau’s offensive game was also on display, particularly in a sequence where he stole the ball and completed a contested layup. His ability to make acrobatic layups against larger defenders was a highlight of his performance.
Zayden High, another freshman on the team, serves as Cadeau’s motivator, constantly encouraging him to exploit his speed and agility to overcome defenders. High’s encouragement is a source of motivation for Cadeau, especially during games.
Cadeau’s passing skills were also a key factor in the game, creating opportunities for his teammates to score or draw fouls. One of his standout moments was a precise bounce pass that led to a three-point attempt by Cormac Ryan, showcasing his exceptional vision on the court.
Cadeau’s contributions were instrumental in leading UNC to a semifinal matchup against Pittsburgh. His defensive efforts, in particular, earned him praise from teammates and fans alike, marking him as a vital energy source for the team. Seth Trimble, a teammate, credited Cadeau’s hustle for the team’s success in the first half, underscoring his role as a catalyst for North Carolina’s performance.