For the ninth time in program history, the Michigan Wolverines are headed back to the Final Four. Not only that, Michigan enters with arguably its best chance to cut down the nets since the school won its lone national title in 1989 as the odds-on favorite heading into Indianapolis.
Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images
One of the driving forces behind Michigan’s run is point guard Elliot Cadeau, who averaged 10.2 points and 5.8 assists in the regular season and has been on point during the NCAA Tournament. Cadeau dished out 10 assists in the Wolverines’ blowout win over Tennessee in the Elite 8 and reached double-figures in Tournament wins over St. Louis and Alabama.
Michigan will take on Arizona on Saturday (8:49 pm ET, CBS) as the two No. 1 seeds remaining.
Cadeau has become one of the nation’s most outstanding point guards despite facing some enormous physical challenges. He was diagnosed with congenital hearing loss in his right ear at the age of four and a degenerative condition in his left eye during his time at North Carolina, both of which he has managed to overcome in pursuit of his ultimate goals in basketball.
Ahead of the NCAA Tournament, Cadeau partnered with Planet Fitness and gave an exclusive interview to Ballislife discussing the NCAA Tournament, preparation and why he chose this initiative specifically amongst a bevy of NIL options this March.
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You’ve made it through the first week of the NCAA tournament with two impressive performances. Does your preparation change at all the further you advance, or is it the same routine regardless of the opponent?
My preparation is always the same for every game.
The Big 10 obviously made a statement during the first weekend of the tournament. How does playing in that conference prepare you for what you face in March?
I feel like it has really been good for me and for the team. We play in the best conference in college basketball and are used to high level competition throughout the whole season.
You guys have been at or near the top of the rankings pretty much all season and have a lot of external pressure this March as a result of that success. How do you protect your mental space during a high-stakes tournament run like you’re currently on?
I always try to not listen to or read any of the outside stuff. I know what my team is capable of and I’ve known that since I committed here. I try to just stay the course and keep my eyes on the next game up.
With the travel and quick turnarounds the NCAA Tournament demands, how do you manage your recovery to make sure you’re still performing at your best?
While we have physical trainers that travel with us for the tournament, another way I love to stay on top of my recovery routine is heading over to any local Planet Fitness. The HydroMassage and massage chairs in the Planet Fitness Black Card Spa are my recovery go-tos. They really help my muscles recover, release tension, and recharge my body.
You’ve been open about the challenges you’ve navigated throughout your life and basketball career. How has navigating those challenges built you into the player and person you are today?
I have always had to work harder than many of my friends. My family didn’t know basketball, I’m 6’1. I have hearing loss and other physical challenges. I have taken nothing for granted. I feel everything I have is earned. I know the hours I have put in, the things that have been against me. Challenges motivate me at this point.
Why was it important for you to partner with Planet Fitness this March? What about their brand aligns with your personal goals and interests?
March is always super busy between the tournament, school, and travel – I’m truly always on the go. Even with such a hectic schedule, I make sure to prioritize recovery no matter what. I find it is a critical part of my routine that helps me stay sharp and prepared for games. I love that Planet Fitness shares this philosophy, which is why I was excited to partner with them. Their Black Card Spa helps me reset and recover, so I can always show up ready for game day.
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