It’s been an uncharacteristically quiet cycle in the transfer portal thus far for St. John’s, yet they’ve built a reputation under Rick Pitino that they could make a big move at any given moment. That could now be the case in the chase for one of the most coveted players in the portal.
According to On3’s Pete Nakos, St. John’s has entered the mix and “now has the momentum” in Syracuse transfer Donnie Freeman’s recruitment. Freeman was originally linked to Kentucky, but the Red Storm now reportedly has the highest offer and is positioned to close out on a commitment unless the Wildcats make a counter.
Freeman’s signing with Pitino pupil Mark Pope seemed like a formality up until Monday. The rising junior had completed a visit to Kentucky last week and canceled a trip to UConn, signaling that he was bound for the Bluegrass State.
Rated as a five-star high school recruit in the class of 2024, Freeman began his college career playing for Syracuse. The 6-foot-9 forward from The Bahamas averaged 15.3 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 1.4 assists on 48.4% shooting and 31.1% from three in two seasons with the Orange.
The former McDonald’s All-American received NBA draft buzz across his two years in upstate New York, but he hasn’t been able to stay on the court for a full season. As a freshman, Freeman only played 14 games before a fracture in the fifth metatarsal in his right foot ended his season in January 2025. Last season, Freeman missed nine games with a right leg injury unrelated to his foot fracture.
When Freeman is healthy, he’s a versatile three-level scorer who can break out in transition, create for his teammates, and present a defensive threat with his imposing frame. With the Red Storm, Freeman could fill in the role of Dillon Mitchell, another jumbo-sized forward with a blue-chip pedigree who stayed in college basketball for multiple seasons and coincidentally wore the number one.