The North Carolina Tar Heels are facing a significant upheaval in their roster as Elliot Cadeau, the starting point guard who has started 68 games over the past two seasons, has entered the NCAA transfer portal. This decision comes on the heels of the Tar Heels' disappointing season-ending loss to the Ole Miss Rebels in the first round of the NCAA Tournament, marking the end of Cabriolet his season in Chapel Hill.
Cadeau made the decision to transfer on March 25, 2025, a move that reflects his desire for a fresh start after two years at UNC. He entered the portal with a "do not contact" tag, indicating he is serious about exploring new opportunities. His departure is particularly notable, as it leaves a gaping hole in UNC’s backcourt with RJ Davis also out of eligibility.
Known for his playmaking ability, Cadeau averaged an impressive 9.4 points and 6.2 assists during the 2024-25 season. He specifically recorded 231 assists, the most by a Tar Heel since Kendall Marshall in 2012. His assist average ranked among the top 20 nationally, showcasing his potential as a significant contributor. However, he struggled with increased turnovers this past season, finishing with a total of 113, a marked increase from 67 turnovers he had as a freshman. While his assists shone, his turnover rate of 26.1% left much to be desired.
Hubert Davis praised Cadeau’s progression, noting that his shooting from beyond the arc also improved from a dismal 18.9% during his freshman year to approximately 33.8% as a sophomore, hitting 29 three-pointers along the way. Cadeau had some notable performances this past season, particularly a standout game against Michigan State where he posted 17 points and six assists. Moreover, he was involved in a game-winning four-point play against Notre Dame, further establishing himself as a clutch player on the court.
However, Cadeau’s journey wasn't without its hurdles. He faced challenges with foul trouble, averaging 2.8 fouls per game and accumulating three or more fouls in 21 games. While he had a strong start to the season, scoring double figures in the first seven games, he only sustained the scoring average through the first half of the season. In the latter part, he had a stretch where consistency waned significantly.
His exit leaves UNC with crucial questions to address, particularly regarding the point guard position. Seth Trimble, another talented guard, is expected to return for his senior season, but it’s likely that head coach Hubert Davis will look for additional support through the transfer portal. The need for a seasoned point guard has never been more urgent, especially one who can effectively distribute the ball and minimize turnovers.
Additionally, forward Jalen Washington has also entered the transfer portal shortly after Cadeau, suggesting an even bigger overhaul in the Tar Heels' roster. Cadeau’s departure symbolizes deteriorating continuity in a program that once flourished under Coach Davis's watch but is now challenged with player retention.
As the Tar Heels look ahead to build their roster for next season, they understand the value of bringing in experienced guards who can seamlessly integrate into their system while elevating the overall performance of the team. This off-season will prove to be a pivotal time for UNC basketball, as they seek to stabilize their lineup amidst these recent departures.
Despite the setbacks, UNC fans remain hopeful that the club will rebound quickly, possibly finding hidden gems in the transfer portal or through incoming recruits. The conversation around Cadeau and the subsequent roster rebuilding will continue in the lead-up to next season, where anticipation builds over how the new chemistry will unfold on the court.
