Elliot Cadeau tabbed as lottery pick in latest mock draft

The freshman is heralded as one of the best facilitators in the 2023 class.

Nathan Papes/Springfield News-Leader/USA Today Sports

For the majority of his recruitment, North Carolina guard Elliot Cadeau was on track to attend Chapel Hill in 2024 as part of the Tar Heels' No. 1 ranked recruiting class.

He then made the decision to reclassify in May and it looks like North Carolina could be a pitstop for the 6-foot-1 guard before heading to the NBA.

In the latest mock draft by The Ringer's Kevin O'Connor, Cadeau is a projected lottery pick, ranked as the seventh best player on his big board.

O'Connor references his ability to share the basketball and create plays as a major factor for Cadeau's NBA potential.

"He’s a gifted ball handler who displays poise in the pick-and-roll and excels in isolation, effortlessly crafting shots using myriad agile maneuvers," said O'Connor. "As a facilitator, he’s audacious, slinging pinpoint passes to any teammate, anywhere."

Even after making the decision to reclassify into 2023, Cadeau remained a five-star recruit and one of the best point guards in the country.

He was ranked No. 12 overall in the recruiting cycle and the No. 2 point guard.

The expectation is that Cadeau will be a day one starter in the backcourt alongside R.J. Davis, giving North Carolina a deep guard rotation.

As mentioned by O'Connor, the biggest question mark or area of growth for the Tar Heels is his ability to shoot the basketball consistently.

Cadeau will certainly have success in dishing the basketball and making plays for his teammates, but he could really see his stock rise if he becomes a reliable perimeter shooter.

Will Cadeau impress enough in 2023 to become a lottery pick and a one-and-done?