Michigan basketball fans are likely nervous ahead of Sunday's Elite 8 matchup with Tennessee. The Wolverines are seeking their first Final Four trip in eight years, as well as the chance to win the first national championship for the program in 37 years.
One thing that should make fans forget about that, at least for a minute, is the news that point guard Elliot Cadeau is expected to return, according to a report from Chris Balas of The Wolverine.
This comes on the heels of Trey McKenney, the standout freshman for Michigan basketball, telling the Detroit Free Press that he will be back next season for the Wolverines.
We know that Michigan will have to deal with at least four departures: Yaxel Lendeborg, Nimari Burnett, Roddy Gayle, and Will Tschetter. There could be others, but the fact that Cadeau and McKenney are each coming back locks in 40 percent of the starting lineup.
Michigan will have one of the best guard duos in the Big Ten
Cadeau has been one of the best point guards in the Big Ten this season. He averaged 5.7 assists compared to 2.3 turnovers, and has shot 37 percent from 3-point range. He's averaging 11 points per game in the NCAA Tournament, and just under eight assists. He had 17 points, seven assists, and three 3-pointers against Alabama on Friday night.
When asked about McKenney on Saturday, May said that he can be one of the best guards in the Big Ten next season. He will be a focal point of the offense, sort of like Yaxel is now.
It will be interesting to see if the Wolverines are able to bring back Morez Johnson or Aday Mara, who have been projected in the first round of the NBA Draft, but if they do, this team will be a force to be reckoned with once again.
Going into the offseason with one of the Big Ten's best backcourts locked in already isn't a bad place to start.