Donnie Freeman’s college basketball dreams hit a brutal snag—he’s out for the entire season after tearing his Achilles during a summer workout, a devastating blow for the St. John’s Red Storm and a painful reminder of his injury history. Once Syracuse’s top scorer and now a transfer player, Freeman’s setback echoes past heartbreaks for fans and teammates alike, including the memory of Steve Angeli’s Achilles tear and a recent recruit’s same fate. With St. John’s hungry for a deep tournament run, Freeman’s absence looms large as he prepares to miss his debut under Rick Pitino.

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St. John’s basketball takes a major hit as Donnie Freeman, their prized transfer from Syracuse and projected starting power forward, goes down with a torn Achilles during offseason workouts — sidelining him for the entire 2026-27 season. The injury, which came during non-contact drills, leaves a gaping hole in their frontcourt, especially after Freeman averaged 16 points and 7 rebounds while earning All-ACC honors. With the team aiming for another Big East title, they’re turning to newcomers like Dorđije Jovanović — a sharp-shooting G League vet — and Babacar Sane to fill the void. Coach Rick Pitino remains optimistic, saying Freeman will return stronger. The challenge now? Making it work with less than a season to go.

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Oziyah Sellers, St. John’s breakout guard, is heading to the NBA Summer League—showcasing his elite skills on the world’s biggest stage.

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Donnie Freeman, the rising junior forward and former McDonald’s All-American, suffered a devastating non-contact Achilles injury during a workout, requiring surgery — but the procedure went well. A key 6-9 scorer averaging 15+ points and 7 rebounds last season, Freeman’s absence is a major blow to the team, especially after his standout two-year stint at Syracuse. Coach Rick Pitino praised Freeman’s character and emphasized the team’s focus on his full recovery. Fans and teammates are holding their breath, hoping for a smooth comeback for the star player.

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Happy 4th of July! - A message of Corey

Kentucky’s new coach Mark Pope is pushing hard for a home-and-home series with St. John’s, calling it a no-brainer if scheduling flexibility continues. Though no official matchup is set, Pope’s enthusiasm—and their dominant win last year when Kentucky had a full roster—make it a strong possibility as early as 2027-28. With both programs now able to accommodate trips to each other’s arenas and St. John’s already locked into other commitments, the long-awaited rivalry could finally take shape after years of stalled talks.

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St. John’s basketball just took a major hit as Donnie Freeman, their key transfer forward, is out for the entire 2026-27 season after rupturing his Achilles tendon during a non-contact workout. Averaging over 16 points and 7 rebounds last season, Freeman was poised to fill a critical gap—and now, players like Babacar Sane and Djordije Jovanovic must step up big. With the team already preparing for workouts and aiming for another Big East title, this injury significantly complicates their championship hopes. Coach Pitino remains optimistic about Freeman’s recovery, but the roster shakeup is undeniable.

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Julian Champagnie’s breakout season just got paid — the Spurs just signed him to a $45M, 3-year deal after letting his old option expire. In his third year, he shattered career highs in points, rebounds, and minutes, while lighting up the three-point line at 38.1% and setting a franchise record with 195 made threes. He was a vital playoff force, averaging 11+ points and delivering 20 in a pivotal Game 7 to help the Spurs reach the NBA Finals. Undrafted and even waived by the 76ers to make room for Mac McClung, Champagnie’s rise with San Antonio proves he’s a true steal — now locked in as a cornerstone for their championship push.

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