7-Foot-9 GIANT Shocks the World—Ditches Duke for UNC!
In a stunning move that’s sending shockwaves through the college basketball world, 7-foot-9 high school phenom Elijah “EJ” Thompson has flipped his commitment from Duke to bitter rival North Carolina. The towering center, already being dubbed the most physically dominant prospect since Shaquille O’Neal, made the announcement in a viral Instagram Live session that peaked at nearly a million viewers.
Just weeks ago, Thompson was posing in Duke blue, widely considered a lock for the Blue Devils after months of close ties with Coach Jon Scheyer’s staff. But in a twist worthy of Tobacco Road lore, the Georgia native had a change of heart—and jersey.
“I’ve prayed on this, talked with my family, and followed my heart,” Thompson said during his livestream. “I have the utmost respect for Duke, but I belong in Carolina blue. It just feels right.”
Recruiting analysts are calling this one of the biggest flips in college basketball history, not just for the sheer magnitude of Thompson’s talent—literally and figuratively—but for what it means in the ongoing Duke–UNC arms race. Thompson is currently the No. 1 ranked recruit in the 2025 class, and his blend of size, mobility, and surprising touch around the rim has NBA scouts already projecting him as the No. 1 overall pick in 2026.
“He’s not just tall—he’s agile, has great timing, and can stretch the floor,” said ESPN recruiting expert Paul Biancardi. “Thompson could change the game at the college level the way Victor Wembanyama is changing it in the NBA.”
North Carolina head coach Hubert Davis, who had previously missed out on several five-star bigs, now finds himself at the helm of a revitalized UNC roster with legitimate Final Four aspirations. Behind the scenes, sources say Thompson was swayed by Carolina’s emphasis on player development and its recent success placing big men in the league.
For Duke fans, the news is nothing short of devastating. Social media lit up with reactions ranging from stunned disbelief to angry disbelief, with #ThompsonFlip trending on X (formerly Twitter) within minutes. The rivalry between the two historic programs just got even more heated.
The flip also reignites debates about the impact of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals, with speculation swirling that UNC’s connections and opportunities through its Jordan Brand affiliation may have played a role. Neither Thompson nor UNC has commented on NIL factors.
Regardless of what led to the decision, the basketball world is already circling the date of the first UNC–Duke matchup in 2026. With Thompson now anchoring the Tar Heels, it promises to be one of the most highly anticipated games in the rivalry’s storied history.
One thing is certain: college basketball hasn’t seen a figure quite like EJ Thompson. And with one decision, he’s already reshaped the balance of power along Tobacco Road.
