Donnie Freeman was one of the most complicated Syracuse basketball players to evaluate.
The former five-star had obvious next-level physical gifts. He could score. He could rebound. He produced numbers.
But during two disappointing Syracuse seasons, Freeman never quite became the transformative star many expected when he arrived as one of the program’s biggest recruiting victories in years.
Now he’s at St. John’s. He hasn’t played a single game for the Red Storm.
And Rick Pitino is already raving about him.
The Hall of Fame coach posted an extraordinary compliment of the former Syracuse forward Tuesday night while discussing Freeman’s recovery from a torn Achilles.
“There is something I’ve not seen in my long tenure.”
Pitino explained that despite the “heartbreaking injury,” Freeman is at film sessions and practices early every day, even while getting around on a scooter or in a boot, and constantly supports his teammates.
Pitino finished with an even bigger statement: “Special young man that will succeed big in life!”
That’s going to get the attention of Syracuse fans.
Because this isn’t some anonymous scout praising Freeman’s length or potential. It’s the ruthless, relentless, pointed Rick Pitino going over the top to praise his work ethic, attitude and commitment to his teammates.
Is Pitino really seeing all the things that SU fans rarely saw? Or is Pitino laying it on thick to help keep a carrot on a stick for Freeman?
Those were precisely the intangible qualities Syracuse desperately needed from Freeman.
Freeman led the Orange with 16.5 points and 7.2 rebounds per game last season. The production was there (mostly).
The winning wasn’t. The chemistry on the squad seemed lacking at best. Wasn’t Freeman responsible as the team leader to mend that?
Syracuse finished 15-17, and Freeman’s sophomore season never produced the leap many envisioned from a former McDonald’s All-American who was supposed to become one of the faces of the program. Late game situations seemed to deteriorate around him. Clutch time plays always eluded him.
And when it came down to whether Syracuse would prioritize keeping him, it seemed obvious. That price tag was well beyond what the Orange thought he was worth.
Freeman entered the transfer portal and landed at St. John’s for reportedly $3M per year, joining the program that has suddenly become everything Syracuse once was in the Northeast: nationally relevant, Final Four contender, dangerous in March and a major presence in New York City.
Freeman later told the New York Post that part of Pitino’s appeal was knowing the legendary coach wouldn’t “cut me any slack” and would push him mentally and physically.
Then disaster struck.
Freeman tore his Achilles during summer workouts, underwent surgery and was ruled out for the 2026-27 season before ever playing a game for St. John’s.
That’s what makes Pitino’s comments so fascinating from a Syracuse perspective.
The messenger matters.
Pitino has St. John’s rolling while Gerry McNamara attempts to reestablish Syracuse in New York City and throughout its old Big East territory. Pitino is arguably the most demanding coach in the sport. Syracuse and St. John’s will meet at Madison Square Garden next month, adding another layer to the renewed battle for relevance in the region.
Freeman won’t be able to play in that game.
But apparently he’s already making quite an impression on the other sideline.
Syracuse fans waited two years for Freeman to fully look like the five-star cornerstone they thought they were getting.
Now Rick Pitino is seeing something special in him before Freeman has even stepped onto the court. Or he’s holding a master class on mental motivation and public messaging.
