There are plenty of decisions to be made for collegiate athletes moving forward after the 2023-2024 College Basketball season. In this article, the covering of predictions for players in the ACC will be made on where there future lies.
R.J Davis, North Carolina
After a historic senior season at the University of North Carolina, R.J managed to lead as a top scoring threat on the Tar Heels. Which lead to much success for the team while entering his name into the conversation of all time Tar Heels. R.J was the 2024 ACC player of the year, Jerry West Award winner, Associated Press First Team All American, and a Wooden Award finalists.
R.J’s success is truly remarkable on the court, as he is great at creating his own shot off the dribble. He has great ball handles, and sets up his teammates on the offensive side of the court. As Davis has one more year left of eligibility, he could return for a fifth season along with incoming five star freshmen, Ian Jackson and Drake Powell. The two main things that NBA scouts have flaws about with Davis is his age and his 6’0 height. He is currently not projected to be selected in this upcoming draft. Despite this, R.J’s skills are completely unmatched and would benefit from a fifth season perfecting his craft and playing alongside new teammates.
Prediction: Stay
Jeremy Roach, Duke
Jeremy Roach had a solid senior season who is eligible for a fifth year. He recently announced he was entering the draft while keeping his college eligibility. It is possible he may return after testing the waters. With Tyrese Proctor announcing his return to school, he will most likely be starting again in one of the two guard spots depending on Roach’s decision. With McCain declaring for the draft, it ends up leaving Roach in a hopeful guarantee to run back the starting point guard role. As there wasn’t a player in the same position who committed in the 2024 class.
Roach has brought so much to Duke as a leader and has always been someone to trust and rely on within the rotation. He is a great shooter, polished defender, a smart player and a contact finisher. Despite this, Roach is projected to be a fringe second rounder but will most likely go undrafted. As Duke has the top recruits upcoming from the 2024 class, Roach could play alongside names such as Cooper Flagg, Khaman Maluach, Kon Knueppel and many more to play in the front court. Roach has a chance to return and add more minutes, experience and polish his skills. He will need to do this in order to prove he deserves to be selected in the draft.
Prediction: Stay
Cameron Hildreth, Wake Forest
Hildreth is an extremely athletic and slithery finisher who is also confident in his corner three pointer. He plays very well with his teammates which contributed to lots of success on the court. In his junior season, he averaged 13.8 PPG and 4.7 RPG while improving his three point shooting from his sophomore season. With the departure of Hunter Sallis, Hildreth looks to see himself in a bigger scoring role. If he decides to return, which would benefit his draft stock.
Hildreth also has ideal size and speed to play on the wing as a forward/guard. Which is important to have in the NBA. The junior from Wake Forest has heard some buzz throughout the season. In regards to his position in the NBA, as he currently isn’t seen as a high mock. It’d be smart for Hildreth to return to school for a senior season to polish his shooting from deep range and to prove himself a little more as a playmaker. If he can do this, scouts should have no worry about his game.
Prediction: Stay
Elliot Cadeau, North Carolina
Cadeau reclassifying last season was a big decision. He had to make it for his future and he seems to loose and comfortable on the court in a North Carolina uniform. With the reclassification, Cadeau should be enrolling as a freshmen this fall, even though he was still eligible to play a season early. The 6’1 point guard from New Jersey, is extremely talented with lots of potential. Although he has had his freshmen struggles, he started almost all of the games and proved himself to be an X-factor for UNC. His best attribute is his passing, his vision on the court is unmatched. Setting up many teammates for open shots and easy points as he is one of the best playmakers in the ACC. Cadeau can also get to the rim at ease. With an impressive first step and a tough finishing ability on defenders.
Shooting Ability
The concerning part about his game is his shooting ability. Most teams towards the end of the season dared him to shoot from three point land. With little worry in their mind, as it could’ve ruined his confidence while playing. As a smaller guard you must be able to hit the three pointer consistently, to get to a higher level in basketball.
Despite the jump shot, Cadeau was one of the best freshmen in the ACC by doing the little things right. If Cadeau can work on his jumper over the off season he will see himself as a high draft pick in the 2025 NBA draft. Due to his impressive ability to be an all around great player on the offensive and defensive end. It is important to keep in mind that he should’ve been in high school last season. So he is playing at a much higher pace with less experience. As I am super impressed with Cadeau’s ability, it is probably best for Cadeau to return to school. I expect him to have a breakout season in his sophomore year in the ACC.
Prediction: Stay
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