St. John's F Donnie Freeman (Achilles) to miss 2026-27

Field Level Media|published: 07/02/2026, 11:08am EDT

Mar 7, 2026; Syracuse, New York, USA; Syracuse Orange forward Donnie Freeman (1) warms up prior to the game against the Pittsburgh Panthers at the JMA Wireless Dome. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-Imagn Images

St. John's forward Donnie Freeman will miss the 2026-27 season after tearing his Achilles tendon during a workout.

Red Storm coach Rick Pitino announced Wednesday on social media that the Syracuse transfer already underwent surgery to repair the non-contact injury.

"Donnie is an awesome young man, we will get him back better than ever!" Pitino posted.

Freeman was a key transfer portal addition after averaging 16.5 points and 7.2 rebounds per game in 2025-26, both team highs for Syracuse. He was limited to 23 games (21 starts), missing nine contests with a lower-body injury.

Across 37 games (34 starts) in two seasons with the Orange, the 6-foot-9 Freeman averaged 15.3 points, 7.5 rebounds and 1.4 assists.

--Field Level Media