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4w ago

Donnie Freeman to Miss 2026–27 After Torn Achilles

Surgery performed by Dr. Martin O’Malley removes a projected starter and forces St. John’s to reshuffle a frontcourt weakened by recent NBA departures.

Mar 10, 2026; Charlotte, NC, USA; Syracuse Orange forward Donnie Freeman (1) with the ball as Southern Methodist University Mustangs guard Boopie Miller (2) defends in the first half at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
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Overview

  • St. John’s announced Wednesday that Freeman suffered a non-contact torn Achilles during a workout and has had successful surgery performed by Dr. Martin O’Malley.
  • The injury will sideline Freeman for the entire 2026–27 season and removes an expected starter who averaged roughly 16 points and 7 rebounds at Syracuse last year.
  • Freeman’s college career included previous lower-leg and right-foot injuries at Syracuse, making durability a recurring concern for his development and for St. John’s roster planning.
  • With Zuby Ejiofor, Dillon Mitchell and Bryce Hopkins recently drafted, St. John’s must rely on existing depth and incoming transfers and freshmen to fill the frontcourt minutes Freeman would have taken.
  • The program and Coach Rick Pitino say they expect Freeman to recover and be available for the 2027–28 season, while his absence could reshape St. John’s rotation and offseason recruiting choices.