St. John's will be without projected starting power forward Donnie Freeman for the entirety of the upcoming 2026-27 season due to a torn Achilles tendon. Head coach Rick Pitino announced the injury on Wednesday via X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter.
Freeman, a highly regarded 6-foot-9 transfer from Syracuse, sustained the non-contact injury during a workout. He has since undergone surgery to repair the torn tendon. The injury marks an early setback for the Red Storm, several months before the season is set to begin.
While Freeman's absence presents a significant challenge, St. John's has options to fill the void. The team is reportedly considering various replacements to bolster its frontcourt ahead of the season. Details regarding specific recruitment or potential roster adjustments were not immediately available, but the coaching staff is expected to address the situation swiftly.