How Donnie Freeman's Season-Ending Achilles Injury Impacts St. John's
The rising junior underwent surgery on his right Achilles tendon after a non-contact workout injury, and coach Rick Pitino said he will miss the season.
- On Monday, Red Storm forward Donnie Freeman suffered a non-contact Achilles injury during a workout; the school announced Wednesday he underwent surgery and will miss the entire 2026-27 season.
- Expectations were high for the transfer from Syracuse, who was expected to start for a Red Storm team ranked eighth in ESPN's "2026-27 Way-Too-Early Top 25 rankings."
- A versatile 6-foot-9 forward and top recruit in the 2024 high school class, Freeman averaged 15.3 points and 7.5 rebounds over two seasons at Syracuse before arriving in Queens.
- The Red Storm face a frontcourt overhaul after starters Zuby Ejiofor, Dillon Mitchell, and Bryce Hopkins were selected in the NBA draft last week, departing following consecutive Big East championships.
- Hall of Fame coach Rick Pitino addressed the setback on social media, stating, "Donnie is an awesome young man, we will get him back better than ever!" as the program navigates roster changes.
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St. John’s F Donnie Freeman (Achilles) to miss 2026
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
Associated Press News
St. John's forward Donnie Freeman to miss next season following surgery on Achilles tendon
St. John’s forward Donnie Freeman will miss next season with an Achilles injury after getting hurt during a workout this week.
Donnie Freeman to miss season with Achilles injury in St. John’s heartbreaker
As the calendar turned to July, St. John’s was dealt a blow. Johnnies forward Donnie Freeman, a transfer from Syracuse, suffered an Achilles injury and will miss the upcoming season, St. John’s head coach Rick Pitino said Wednesday.
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