NCAA Superstar From Essex County Inspires Hometown Pride With Final Four Playmaking

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — It’s a good feeling to know that your hometown has your back. That was the reaction from Elliot Cadeau this week as the college basketball superstar returned to North Jersey for a ceremony in his honor.

Cadeau, a junior point guard for the University of Michigan Wolverines, led the team to a NCAA National Championship earlier this year. He was named as the 2026 NCAA Men’s Final Four Most Outstanding Player for his outstanding performance on one of the sport’s biggest stages.

On Wednesday, county officials held a congratulatory ceremony in Cadeau’s honor – which sparked some serious hometown pride for West Orange native.

“The best kind of support is knowing that everyone here has my back and takes the time to watch me play,” Cadeau said. “Seeing the crowd here shows me how strong this county is. It reminds me where my home is and that I come from the best county in the world.”

The county released some background information about the rising sports star from the Garden State:

“Cadeau is a junior point guard for the Michigan Wolverines and one of the top playmakers in college basketball. A native of West Orange and a former standout at Bergen Catholic and Link Academy, he transferred to Michigan after two seasons at the North Carolina Tar Heels. He helped lead Michigan to the 2025-26 Big Ten regular-season championship and an NCAA National Championship, earning Final Four Most Outstanding Player honors. Known for his court vision, leadership, and ability to create scoring opportunities for teammates, he averaged approximately 10.5 points and 5.9 assists per game while starting every game for the Wolverines.”

“I am proud to congratulate Elliot on this incredible athletic achievement,” Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo Jr. said.

“His court vision, competitive spirit and ability to elevate those around him have made him into a role model for aspiring athletes and a source of pride for Essex County,” DiVincenzo said.

• Related: NJ Native Elliot Cadeau Leads Michigan To NCAA Championship

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