Dillon Mitchell, who spent a single season with St. John's before moving on, leveraged his connections within the program to champion a new addition to the roster.
His outreach to Donnie Freeman, a Syracuse forward known for his length and shooting touch, included a personal text message that highlighted both the coaching staff and the school’s culture.
Freeman, who averaged 16.5 points and 7.2 rebounds during his two years at Syracuse, responded quickly, committing to St. John's shortly after receiving Mitchell’s endorsement.
A Strategic Addition
Coach Rick Pitino praised the recruit’s versatility, noting that Freeman can operate at both small forward and power forward, giving the Red Storm flexibility in lineup construction.
The commitment comes as St. John's continues to hunt for an impact center, a position that remains a work in progress despite the recent influx of talent.
In addition to Freeman, the program has also added international guard Quinn Ellis, as well as wings Babacar Sane and Djordije Jovanovic, further diversifying the roster.
Looking Ahead
With the new frontcourt pieces in place, the Red Storm aim to build a front line that can match the size and physicality of national champions Michigan, a benchmark that guides their recruitment strategy.
The coaching staff believes that the blend of experience and potential will translate into a more competitive presence in the Big East, where depth and versatility are increasingly prized.