St. John's University confirmed that forward Donnie Freeman will sit out the 2026‑27 campaign after tearing his Achilles tendon during an offseason workout. The injury necessitated surgery and has cast a shadow over the program's early preparations.
Head coach Rick Pitino addressed the setback, emphasizing that Freeman's recovery is progressing well and that the team remains optimistic about his long‑term return. "We're focused on the process," Pitino said, "and we believe Donnie will come back stronger."
Freeman arrived in Queens after a standout stint at Syracuse, where he averaged 16.5 points and 7.2 rebounds last season and earned All‑ACC honorable‑mention honors. His reputation as a top transfer prospect had made him a cornerstone of St. John's plans to compete for a top‑ten ranking and a potential Final Four run.
Roster reshuffle ahead
The loss of Freeman comes at a critical juncture. Without his scoring and rebounding, the Red Storm's aspirations of cracking the preseason top ten and challenging for a championship have dimmed, according to analysts.
To fill the void, the roster will lean on returning guard Ian Jackson and newcomers Tounde Yessoufou, Babacar Sane, Djordije Jovanovic, and Lazar Stojkovic. Each will be tasked with providing offense and interior presence in Freeman's absence.
The broader impact extends beyond the court. The injury marks the latest in a series of setbacks that have peppered Freeman's collegiate career, having missed 28 games over two seasons at Syracuse due to lower‑leg problems. While the Red Storm still retain a strong core, the road ahead will be defined by how quickly the new pieces click.