Elliot Cadeau’s stat line in Michigan’s rivalry win over Michigan State is about more than just scoring ability.
Cadeau’s Evolution: How Michigan’s PG is Finding His Groove
In the 83-71 victory over the Spartans Friday night, Cadeau scored 17 points and dished out six assists, a two-way contribution that the Wolverines are used to seeing from the junior guard midway through the season.
It highlights a guard who’s finding the sweet spot between playmaking and efficiency. Since transferring from North Carolina, Cadeau has grown into the kind of role player who maximizes possessions and creates space; both key parts of head coach Dusty May’s formula for success in the 2025‑26 season.
Cadeau Performing by the Numbers
Cadeau’s game has evolved since his time playing under Hubert Davis at North Carolina. In his final season playing under Davis, Cadeau averaged 9.4 points and 6.2 assists per game while shooting roughly 33% from three. His first season, that number was a sub-20%.
This season at Michigan, his production is evident. He’s averaging 10.3 points and 5.2 assists per game, knocking down over 41% from distance and cutting down on turnovers. And Cadeau isn’t just distributing; he’s managing the game in clutch moments and creating scoring opportunities for his teammates.
With the Tar Heels, he averaged roughly six assists against 3.1 turnovers per game. This season, his assist to turnover ratio is around 2.4:1, with 5.6 assists and 2.3 turnovers per game; proof of smarter decision making and efficiency in every possession.
Dusty May’s Guard Template
If Cadeau’s role in May’s system feels familiar, that’s because it is. He’s stepping into the same dynamic that former Florida Atlantic guard Johnell Davis did during the Owls’ improbable Final Four run in 2023.
Davis was one of May’s most important pieces that year, leading FAU in scoring by averaging 13.8 points per game and helping power one of the most memorable “Cinderella” runs in recent history.
In the second round against Fairleigh Dickinson, Davis posted 29 points, 12 rebounds, five assists, and five steals. The Owls finished 35‑4 that year, a record the Wolverines are coincidentally on pace to match this season.
And it’s safe to say that Cadeau’s role at Michigan mirrors that style of play. Against the Spartans on Friday, Cadeau shot 62.5% from the floor.
Like Davis, he thrives on competitive, scrappy and selfless basketball. When Cadeau’s teammates play better, so does he.
That kind of mindset in guard play is dangerous against the right schemes, and it’s the type of performance elite coaches like May and NBA scouts alike expect at the highest levels of competition.
It’s a proven recipe for success.
What’s Ahead for Michigan
Michigan doesn’t face its next ranked opponent until Feb. 12 in West Lafayette. Before then, the Wolverines host Penn State, travel to Ohio State and Northwestern before again hosting UCLA. May’s squad then sees matchups against No. 12 Purdue and No. 4 Duke.
How Cadeau manages his minutes down the stretch is key to keeping Michigan atop the conference standings heading into February and the Big Ten tournament as the Wolverines look to position themselves for a deep postseason run.
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