Jon Scheyer Should Get on the Phone with Elliot Cadeau After the Season, Cooper Flagg Replacement Identified
As the 2024 college basketball season approaches, Duke Blue Devils head coach Jon Scheyer is already eyeing the future of his program, and with it comes a pressing need to address key roster changes. While the Blue Devils’ current roster boasts incredible talent, the imminent departure of top recruit Cooper Flagg has left a void that will need to be filled. Fortunately for Scheyer, a potential solution could be waiting just around the corner: Elliot Cadeau.
The 6’1″ point guard out of New Jersey has been making waves in the high school basketball circuit, and his performance has caught the attention of many of the top programs across the country. After Flagg’s expected one-and-done tenure at Duke, it will be essential for Scheyer to land a player who can step into a starring role, especially after the departure of key playmakers like Jeremy Roach and Wendell Moore Jr.
Cadeau, who is considered one of the top point guards in the 2024 class, has the ability to impact the game in a multitude of ways, making him the ideal candidate to replace Flagg’s influence on the court, albeit in a different role. While Flagg is a forward known for his defensive versatility, rebounding, and scoring, Cadeau brings a different skill set that could be the perfect complement to the rest of Duke’s roster.
Why Elliot Cadeau?
Cadeau is a dynamic playmaker with exceptional ball-handling skills, vision, and the ability to facilitate an offense with precision. His speed and agility allow him to create opportunities both in transition and in half-court sets, which would fit seamlessly into Scheyer’s system. The Blue Devils have often excelled when they have a pass-first point guard who can orchestrate the offense and keep the defense on its heels, and Cadeau brings that exact skill set.
On top of his playmaking ability, Cadeau is a versatile scorer. He can knock down shots from the perimeter, drive to the basket, and finish in a variety of ways. His ability to space the floor and attack defenders off the dribble would open up scoring opportunities for his teammates, making him a perfect fit for a team that relies on fluid offensive movement.
While Cadeau is certainly capable of filling the void left by Flagg in a different role, he also offers something the Blue Devils will need to continue their success: leadership. With a competitive spirit and a drive to constantly improve, Cadeau has the mentality necessary to handle the pressures of playing for a high-profile program like Duke. He has already showcased his ability to lead teams to victory in high-stakes situations, and that experience would be invaluable for a team looking to contend for a national championship.
The Recruitment Process
While Scheyer and his staff will certainly face stiff competition for Cadeau’s services, Duke’s tradition of success and its ability to develop players at a high level could be enough to sway him in their direction. After all, Scheyer has already demonstrated his ability to recruit top-tier talent, securing players like Tyrese Proctor and the aforementioned Cooper Flagg. Duke’s culture of excellence, combined with its strong coaching staff, could provide Cadeau with the platform to elevate his game to the next level.
It’s clear that with the departure of Flagg, Duke will need to add a player capable of stepping in and making an immediate impact. With Cadeau’s combination of skill, leadership, and potential, he could be the missing piece to keep the Blue Devils competitive at the highest level.
Conclusion
Jon Scheyer’s next move in the recruiting world could be pivotal for the future of Duke basketball. While the loss of Cooper Flagg will undoubtedly be a blow, the potential addition of Elliot Cadeau could keep the program firmly in championship contention. Scheyer should waste no time getting on the phone with Cadeau after the season and making a compelling pitch to bring the dynamic point guard to Durham. With Cadeau’s leadership and skill set, the Blue Devils could remain at the top of the college basketball hierarchy for years to come.
