A season lost before it began
St. John's University confirmed that forward Donnie Freeman will miss the entirety of the 2026‑27 basketball season after sustaining a torn right Achilles tendon during a non‑contact workout on Monday.
The injury required surgery and places the sophomore out of action for the next several months, depriving the defending Big East regular‑season and tournament champions of one of their key frontcourt pieces.
Freeman transferred to St. John's from Syracuse during the offseason after a standout college career that included a 15.3‑point, 7.5‑rebound average over 37 games for the Orange and earned him a reputation as one of the top recruits from the class of 2024.
Coach Rick Pitino took to social media to announce the news, praising Freeman’s character while acknowledging the void left in the lineup.
The loss comes at a time when St. John's is preparing to defend its recent Big East titles and to build on a Sweet 16 run that marked the program’s first appearance in that round since 1999.
Frontcourt depth will be tested, as the team must replace three departing starters who have all been drafted into the NBA, a challenge that could reshape the roster’s dynamics.
Off the court, there have been reports that St. John's and Syracuse are in discussions to stage a neutral‑site matchup at Madison Square Garden, a potential marquee event for the upcoming season.
The upcoming season will therefore be a blend of rebuilding and continuity, as the program looks to integrate new talent while maintaining its recent standards of excellence.