All Tar Heels

Mom Knew: UNC Basketball Rookie Practices 'Like Life Depends on It'

Elliot Cadeau's genuine growl on defense, already echoing in Chapel Hill, may become UNC basketball's rallying cry.

Matt Giles

UNC basketball logo (Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports)
In this story:

Five-star UNC basketball guard Elliot Cadeau is among a few top candidates for ACC Rookie of the Year. One possible way to separate himself from that crowd, including five-star Duke basketball guards Jared McCain and Caleb Foster, is for Cadeau to continue heeding his mother's advice regarding practice (more on that in a second).

ALSO READ: UNC's All-Time Loudest Home Win Over Archrival Duke

The program posted the Cadeau-themed practice highlight below on Thursday night, showing off the 6-foot-1, 180-pound ballhawk's impressive bark and bite as a relentless disruptor on defense.

First, listen to his growl, presumably intended to rev himself up and give his opponents real-time nightmares. Then check out his ridiculous reflexes in appearing out of nowhere to create a loose ball before putting his body on the line to save it from going out of bounds:

Again, this is only practice.

It's safe to say Elliot Cadeau, a New Jersey native who finished No. 11 on the 247Sports 2023 Composite after announcing his reclass from 2024 in late May, is making a loudly positive early impression on his teammates and coaches in Chapel Hill.

And looking at Michelle Cadeau's reaction to the highlight in her quote-repost, it's clear she expected nothing less than this supreme level of grit from her son:

Yes, as she implies, the 19-year-old is putting into action her words of wisdom "like [his] life depends on it."

As a result, third-year UNC basketball head coach Hubert Davis might have no choice but to make the poised offensive playmaker and determined defensive tone-setter the Tar Heels' starting floor general from the get-go.

Elliot Cadeau and the 2023-24 UNC basketball squad begin their regular season on Nov. 6 when Radford comes to the Dean E. Smith Center.

RELATED: Poll Sees UNC Head Coach Hubert Davis on Hot Seat

Stay tuned to All Tar Heels on SI.com for more UNC basketball news.

Published
Matt Giles
MATT GILES

Matt Giles is the editor and publisher of North Carolina Tar Heels on SI, Duke Blue Devils on SI, and NC State Wolfpack on SI, making him a key source for comprehensive coverage of these storied college basketball programs. Since joining UNC on SI in 2023, Matt has been dedicated to providing in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive content on all three teams. He covers everything from game previews and recaps to player profiles and recruiting updates. Matt's expert knowledge of these teams has made his work a go-to resource for fans and followers of Duke, NC State, and UNC. As publisher, he shapes the editorial direction, ensuring that the most relevant and timely information reaches his audience.

Home/Basketball