2. Point Guard Development
Junior transfer Elliot Cadeau was the top-ranked point guard coming out of high school (12th overall), but after two years in the mess that was the UNC offense, he transferred. He’ll be leaving behind his ACC-leading 113 turnovers in the 2024-25 season, and the not-so-quiet whispers that his high turnover rate was a factor in the team's losses and underwhelming season. But on the University of Michigan’s “Defend the Block,” Dusty zeroed in on Cadeau’s plus skill: “We felt like, from a chemistry perspective, having a true pass-first point guard would allow us to keep everyone happy. That's what Elliot does.” Dusty and his staff have eyes and must’ve seen on the tape the Tar Heels' offensive movement and pace, which were glacial, and that the point guard was not at fault. "The more talented we get, the more weapons we have on our roster, it makes it even more integral to have a point guard who's trying to set those guys up.”
But what’s going to happen when Cadeau sits? During the so-called “exhibitions”, sophomore LJ Cason was the back up, but in the first game, he was sidelined with a minor injury. It was five-star freshman Trey McKenney tasked with stepping in at point. Pundits expected his role to be a “3 & D” guy, but against Oakland (yes, opponent strength caveats apply) he looked more than that, with four assists to no turnovers. His first was a left-handed wraparound to Johnson for a dunk and another one was to Johnson on an out of bounds play for a lay up. By the way, he was six of eight from three.
Sophomore LJ Cason is an intriguing option because of his quickness and aggressiveness. Others will be senior Roddy Gayle, Jr., and grad student Nimari Burnett. Gayle is interesting, especially in a “five out” set, where all offensive players are outside the three-point line and he is at the top with the ball. He can easily get to the rim one-on-one and convert, which means that whoever is guarding him will need help, and that’s where the fun begins. You get a stand-still three! You get a lob dunk. And I get an “and one”!