Rising teen star Cadeau takes the leap to Sweden's senior side

MALMO (Sweden) - Elliot Cadeau has experienced a pretty exciting last seven months in international basketball; culminating with the 18-year-old making his Sweden senior national team debut.

One of the most intriguing prospects of his generation, Cadeau took those first steps with appearances against Germany and Estonia as Sweden completed their FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 European Qualifiers campaign

"IT WAS A BLESSING TO PUT ON THE SWEDEN UNIFORM - NOT A LOT OF PEOPLE MY AGE GET TO DO THAT."

Cadeau is attracting attention around the world - having committed to playing for the Tar Heels at the University of North Carolina in the U.S. -  and the talented guard relished the opportunity to represent Sweden's senior team for the first time on the international stage.

"I was very excited and very proud. It was a blessing to put on the Sweden uniform, especially for the men's team. Not a lot of people my age get to do that. I was really just excited and proud of myself. I was just excited to get on the floor and play with them," he said.

"When coach called my name I just felt I was locked in. I felt I was prepared for that moment.

"I've been working really hard. I started to get comfortable with the system these last couple of days practicing with the team. I just wanted to go out and have fun. I was just focused on the game plan and what the team needed from me."

Cadeau recorded four points and a steal in just seven minutes on debut as it marked the second time the teenage rising star had represented his country in a FIBA event.

The first experience came last summer when he helped Sweden take the title at the FIBA U18 European Championship 2022 Division B - returning his country to Division A for the first time since 2016.

"To win the European Championship, Division B was a great opportunity. I was really proud of myself for the performances that I had," he said having averaged 21.3 points, 4.3 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 3.2 steals. "It means a lot to me to get my country back to Division A for next year."

 
Cadeau poured in 36 points to go with 5 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 steals in the Final against Denmark, which helped him earn the MVP award.

The performance in Ploiesti, Romania also saw him get the recognition to be invited to the 2023 Basketball Without Borders Global Camp at the NBA All-Star Weekend from February 17-19.

 
"The BWB camp was great, one of the best camps I have ever attended. I met a lot of new friends and I learned a lot," said Cadeau, who was selected among the All-Stars of the camp. "Some of the coaches are former professional players and on the staffs of NBA teams. So it was really good learning from people at the highest level."

Cadeau undoubtedly has the talent and will be one to watch moving forward with the aim of building on those first experiences with the senior national team.

FIBA