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2w ago

St. John’s Wins Donnie Freeman Commitment Over Kentucky

The Red Storm capitalized on a short transfer window with a rich NIL pitch that tilted a late recruiting race.

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Mar 14, 2026; New York, NY, USA; St. John's Red Storm forward Zuby Ejiofor (24) celebrates with forward Bryce Hopkins (23) and guards Oziyah Sellers (4) and Dylan Darling (0) during the second half of the men's Big East Conference Tournament Championship game against the Connecticut Huskies at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
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Overview

  • Freeman, who committed late Monday according to multiple outlets, chose St. John’s after a late surge that overtook Kentucky’s early lead.
  • Reporting from On3 and others said the 6-foot-9 forward expected an NIL deal worth more than $3 million, which factored into the decision.
  • Kentucky hosted Freeman last week and was viewed as the favorite after his Lexington visit, while a planned UConn trip was canceled as the race narrowed.
  • St. John’s adds a frontcourt scorer who averaged 16.5 points and 7.2 rebounds last season, giving Rick Pitino a plug‑in starter to offset key departures.
  • Kentucky, which targeted Freeman and Colorado transfer Sebastian Rancik, now pivots to other portal options to fill a clear need at the 4 in a 15‑day window that closes Tuesday.