Donnie Freeman, previously a forward for Syracuse, has officially announced his transfer to St. John's through the NCAA Transfer Portal. This move marks a significant addition for the Red Storm as Freeman prepares for his junior year.
During his last season with Syracuse, Freeman showcased impressive performance, appearing in 23 games and starting 21. He maintained an average of 16.5 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.3 assists over 31.3 minutes per game. His shooting efficiency stood at 47.4% from the field and 30.2% from beyond the arc. Despite injuries limiting him to just 14 appearances in his freshman year, he still managed to average 13.4 points and 7.9 rebounds.
Freeman's high school career at IMG Academy in Florida established him as a five-star recruit. He was recognized as the No. 9 overall player and the No. 1 power forward in the 2024 recruiting cycle, according to the Rivals Industry Rankings. His decision to join St. John's came amidst interest from other prominent programs like Kentucky, Alabama, and UConn.
This commitment is particularly notable as Freeman is the first player to join St. John's this offseason via the Transfer Portal, contrasting with the five players the Red Storm have lost to the portal since the season's end. At the time of his commitment, Freeman was ranked as the No. 19 overall player and the No. 5 power forward in On3's 2026 Transfer Portal Player Rankings, highlighting the caliber of talent he brings to the team.
St. John's is coming off an exceptional 2025-26 season, having achieved a 30-7 overall record and an 18-2 record in conference play. For the second consecutive year, the Red Storm clinched both the Big East regular-season title and the conference tournament championship. Their memorable season concluded in the Sweet Sixteen, following a defeat to Duke.
Head coach Rick Pitino reflected on his team's remarkable season, emphasizing the unique chemistry and dedication of his players. He noted that in his 52 years of coaching, he had never encountered a team with such unity and commitment. The NCAA Transfer Portal, which opened on April 7 and closed on April 21, saw a new 15-day window implemented based on recommendations from the men's basketball oversight committee. While the deadline for entering the portal has passed, athletes are not required to commit to a new school by this date.
Donnie Freeman's transfer is expected to significantly impact St. John's basketball program, building on their recent successes and continuing their competitive trajectory in the Big East conference. His skills and experience will be vital as the team aims for further achievements in upcoming seasons.