Elliot Cadeau Declares for 2026 NBA Draft After Final Four MVP Honor

Elliot Cadeau, the Michigan Wolverines’ starting point guard and Most Outstanding Player of the 2026 NCAA Final Four, has declared for the 2026 NBA Draft. The announcement comes shortly after leading Michigan to a national championship victory over UConn, where he earned the tournament’s top individual honor.

Cadeau, a 6-foot-2 point guard who transferred from North Carolina, averaged 12.3 points, and 7.5 assists in six NCAA Tournament games. His performance in the Final Four was particularly notable, with averages of 16.0 points, 6.0 assists, and 3.0 rebounds across Michigan’s two tournament victories.

Despite declaring for the draft, Cadeau has maintained his college eligibility by not hiring an agent and has re-signed with Michigan for the 2026-27 season. This approach allows him to explore NBA opportunities while retaining the option to return to Ann Arbor.

The Wolverines’ guard joined an elite group of Final Four Most Outstanding Players, including legends such as Hakeem Olajuwon, Magic Johnson, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. His recognition came after a standout national championship performance, where he scored 19 points with three rebounds and two steals in Michigan’s 69-63 victory over UConn.

Cadeau’s journey to Michigan stardom began in Brooklyn, New York, where he was born on September 4, 2004. He represents Sweden internationally and previously earned ACC All-Rookie honors during his time at North Carolina.

As the 2026 NBA Draft approaches, Cadeau’s decision adds intrigue to a class that includes several other projected first-round picks who waited until the deadline to announce their intentions.