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St. John's Lands Syracuse Transfer Donnie Freeman Over Kentucky

The move highlights how reported seven‑figure NIL offers now shape late portal decisions.

Overview

  • Donnie Freeman, who committed Monday night, chose St. John’s over Kentucky, Alabama and UConn, according to ESPN and Yahoo Sports.
  • Kentucky had been viewed as the leader after hosting him in Lexington, but St. John’s surged in the last 48 hours and closed the recruitment, ESPN reported.
  • On3’s Pete Nakos reported Freeman is expected to sign an NIL deal worth more than $3 million, a figure that remains reported rather than independently confirmed.
  • The 6-foot-9 former five‑star averaged 16.5 points and 7.2 rebounds for Syracuse last season and is expected to slot into St. John’s frontcourt to help replace departed forwards.
  • Kentucky, which targeted Freeman and Colorado transfer Sebastian Rancik to address frontcourt needs, will pivot to other options with the transfer window set to close April 21.