Michigan basketball is riding high after clinching its first championship since 1989, having triumphed over UConn on Monday night. While many Wolverines, like forward Yaxel Lendeborg, will be headed to the NBA this offseason, guard Elliot Cadeau has shared his intentions for next season.
Cadeau Made His Decision
On Thursday night, Cadeau decided not to enter the NBA draft and to return to Michigan for one more season. Cadeau came over from North Carolina to Michigan last offseason. During his two years with the Tar Heels, Cadeau played in 74 games and made 68 starts, averaging 8.3 points and 5.1 assists per game.
Cadeau was a solid player during his time at North Carolina, but he truly came into his own this year at Michigan, where he averaged 10.5 points.
Heading into the NCAA tournament, everyone knew Michigan for its elite frontcourt featuring Lendeborg, center Aday Mara and forward Morez Johnson Jr. However, it was Cadeau who stole the spotlight during the Final Four.
In Michigan’s Final Four game against Arizona, Cadeau contributed significantly with 13 points, 10 assists and four steals. He continued to perform well in the championship game against UConn, scoring 19 points along with two assists and two steals.
Cadeau claimed the Final Four’s Most Outstanding Player award on Monday night, and now he’s eager to continue his success and aim for the same honor next season.
Michigan Was Unbelievable This Season
The Wolverines experienced one of the best seasons in college basketball history, finishing with an impressive 37-3 record. Their only losses were to Wisconsin, Duke and Purdue during the Big Ten Championship game.
Michigan began its season by participating in the Players Era Festival tournament Thanksgiving week and dominated every team it faced, winning decisively.
Lendeborg believed that Michigan was the best team in basketball after the Players Era Festival, and he wasn’t mistaken.
“I feel like we’re the best team in college basketball,” Lendeborg said at the Players Era Festival in November, via ESPN’s Myron Medcalf. “We might be the best Michigan team ever. We’re going to try to go for that.”
GettyINDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – APRIL 04: Yaxel Lendeborg #23 of the Michigan Wolverines reacts against the Arizona Wildcats during the second half in the Final Four of the 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 04, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
The Wolverines had a distinctive roster this season, featuring all five starters who began their careers at different colleges. Cadeau joined from North Carolina, while Nimari Burnett transferred from Alabama, where he played from 2021 to 2023. Lendeborg spent three years at a JUCO college before playing two seasons at UAB. Johnson made his mark at Illinois during the 2024-25 season, and Mara came to the team after two seasons at UCLA.
Michigan is the first school to win the NCAA tournament with five transfers, and it could become the norm going forward.
Several teams might now be seeking to find five players in the portal who can break into the starting lineup and make a run like Michigan did this season.
Michigan’s Elliot Cadeau Announces Major Career Move Days After National Championship