Here's why:
* House Rivalry: The Slytherins and Hufflepuffs, despite having some common ground, were generally considered rivals. Each house had its own values and traditions, and these differences often led to tensions and even outright disdain.
* Cedric's Personality: Cedric was known for being kind, brave, and fair, traits that were often seen as contrasting with the Slytherin value system. While Slytherins could respect those qualities, it's unlikely they would be drawn to them in the same way as other houses.
* The Triwizard Tournament: During the Triwizard Tournament, Cedric was initially admired by many Slytherins, but this admiration was tainted by his rivalry with Harry Potter. Slytherins, particularly Draco Malfoy and his cronies, became increasingly hostile toward Cedric and even celebrated his death.
Overall: It's more accurate to say that Slytherins held Cedric in a kind of grudging respect, but their admiration was ultimately overshadowed by house rivalry and the events of the Triwizard Tournament.