Michigan’s Elliot Cadeau fires strong message to critics after national title victory

If there was one player who personified Michigan’s grit all season, it was Elliot Cadeau.

The smallest guy on the floor on Monday displayed the biggest heart as Cadeau led the Wolverines past Connecticut, 69-63, for the national title in the NCAA Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium.

The 6-foot-1 guard tallied 19 points, three rebounds, two assists, and two steals against the Huskies. His fingerprints were all over the game, serving as the steadying force on both ends for Michigan. Cadeau was named Most Outstanding Player of the whole tournament.

During their celebration in the locker room, Cadeau went live on Instagram and sent a strong message to his critics.

“They said I couldn’t do it. They tried telling me I was a**. What the f*** are you talking about?” said the junior guard.

"They said I couldn't do it. They tried telling me I was ass."

Elliot Cadeau on IG live following his MOP award in the National Championship

(via ElliotCadeau/ IG)pic.twitter.com/gepAQoqGrj

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) April 7, 2026

Fans were hyped after Cadeau’s fired-up remarks.

“You absolutely earned the MVP, no question,” said @Storm287144151.

“EC proved many doubters wrong,” added @MikeInA2.

“LMFAO, this is an all-time get-back,” posted @irvv_m.

“Let ’em know,” wrote @Twon1146151.

“Turn up 3, your night tonight,” commented @LavineDom.

Cadeau received backlash when he left North Carolina after two years to transfer to Michigan this season. Some claimed that he was only after NIL money. He used them as fuel in his first stint with the Wolverines, playing with a chip on his shoulder.

Now that he is a national champion, it has become clearer that he made the right decision to further his career.

Cadeau averaged a career-best 10.3 points on top of 2.7 rebounds and 5.9 assists this season, earning a selection to the All-Big Ten Honorable Mention.

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