They have a bit. Here's why
1- UNC made a very appealing pitch to him and for him to possible start next to Maye has to (and is) very tempting. EJ is also being heavily recruited by UNC's 2018 class. White, Little and Black are all in contact with him. I know both he and his family were impressed with Coach Williams, the history of UNC and his opportunity there.
2- Kentucky took a huge leap after his visit there. Cal sold EJ on how well the Kentucky bigs are doing in the league and how he would develop there. EJ really liked the way Kentucky uses their bigs. Again, the tradition and history of Kentucky.
3- On March 3rd, EJ tweeted a video titled time for the next chapter and then took it down. Now that might be meaningless but it plays into that he's not ready to make a decision.
He might wait until after the McD's game and seeing who is returning or entering the draft (info as per Evan Daniels).
My opinion is this, I think he "wanted" to go to Duke and that's why he reached out, but Zion shocked everyone by picking Duke. I still think EJ likes the idea of going to Duke and bring a part of Duke's 2018 class. I know K sold him on positionless basketball by using examples of how he played elite players with USA Basketball and how the offense could be like that of the GS Warriors.
Here's what I think EJ wants
- to not be stuck in the paint as a full time 5
- the opportunity to develop in college and to have the opportunity to be considered OAD
- to play and have a definite role
- to be seen as a priority recruit and need for the team.
Here's Duke's hurdles
A) Bolden returning/leaving: if Bolden returns, EJ would potentially have a lesser role, but if Bolden leaves, EJ would play more as a 5. Double edged sword.
B) Co-existing with Zion & RJ: EJ used to be at the same HS as RJ but transferred out his Sr year. Chemistry? Zion will play the 4 role and can EJ and him co-exist? EJ is looking at the Carter/Bagley relationship and how they are used together.
C) Being a necessity: EJ needs to feel like he's a priority and equally as important as the other 4 guys in the 2018 class.
Long winded, yes.
I think Duke is still 1A but the gap is tight with Unc and Kentucky being 1B's.