Hubert Davis discusses Elliot Cadeau’s decision to re-classify, join 2023 class

A trend gaining traction throughout college sports is players re-classifying their high school graduation year and heading to college a year earlier than anticipated. And North Carolina men’s basketball had a player re-classify on them this offseason, point guard Elliot Cadeau.

Recently, head coach Hubert Davis discussed his incoming freshman’s decision to join the program a year earlier, and explained what went into that controversial process.

“Well, one, we had an available scholarship. I think that’s a huge piece. In terms of Elliot, in our conversation and recruitment of him, (he) was always a part of the ’24 class. And I know that you know his experience of playing for the Swedish National Team; he played extremely well,” said Davis.

“Ended up winning the championship — the GEICO Championship with Link Academy. And it changed his thinking of wanting to come here early. He also had a desire to want to be here. He’s a team guy, just wants to win, (and) wants to be a great teammate. And that was the process in terms of him speeding up the process. I’m thankful that he’s here at Carolina.”

Cadeau, who is from West Orange, New Jersey, was the No. 13 overall recruit after re-classifying to the 2023 class, according to On3’s Industry Ranking. The six-foot-two point guard led his school Link Academy to a 27-1 record and the GEICO national championship this past season.

Still, for Davis, it’s not all about what Cadeau brings to the court that helped in the reclassification decision bringing him to North Carolina a year early.

Davis understands the importance of high school in a young individual’s life.

“This is not specific to Elliot. This is just specific in terms of anyone: do you want to be a part of the team? Why are you coming here? Why do you wanna come early? It’s a big step.

“I can remember my senior year. It was a big deal getting my diploma in high school. It was a big deal my senior year for senior night. I remember that. I don’t want guys to pass that up. I think it’s an important part of growth; it’s not just growth as a player. It’s growth as a person, and it has to be the right fit. So, specifically in regards to Elliott, I felt like it was the right fit.”

Davis also faced questions about his previous perception of re-classification, which he believes can vary based on the circumstances of each case.

Notably, North Carolina lost a commitment from former five-star forward GG Jackson before he decided to move from the 2023 class to the 2022 class. This cycle, the Tar Heels were considered one of the favorites to land 2024 forward Jarin Stevenson before he re-classified to 2023 and committed to Alabama.