Donnie Freeman officially entered the NCAA transfer portal this week. The five-star recruit and McDonald’s All-American played only 37 games for Syracuse because injuries cut short his two seasons under Orange head coach Adrian Autry, who was fired after the 2025-26 season.
Freeman’s announcement gives him the chance to find a new team that can fully utilize his talents, give him a chance to compete in the NCAA Tournament, and boost his NBA Draft stock. With this in mind, here are several schools that could make a run for the 6-foot-9 forward’s commitment.
3 Schools That Could Be Interested in Securing Transfer Player Donnie Freeman
Kentucky Wildcats
The Kentucky Wildcats are undergoing a major overhaul following an up-and-down 2025-26 season that concluded with a second-round NCAA Tournament loss to Iowa State. Leading scorer Otega Oweh has exhausted his college eligibility, and key contributors Jaland Lowe, Collin Chandler, Denzel Aberdeen, Mo Dioubate, Andrija Jelavic, and Jasper Johnson announced they intend to enter the transfer portal.
Kentucky is seeking frontcourt players who can space the floor with their outside shooting. Over two seasons with Syracuse, Freeman has made 38 3-pointers at a 31.1% clip. His production could increase next season, as Pope’s system requires every player to shoot from deep when open.
Furthermore, his ties to Kentucky assistant coach Mikhail McLean could pave the way for Freeman to play for the Wildcats next season. McLean worked with the forward on the Bahamas National Team in 2024.
Alabama Crimson Tide
Alabama head coach Nate Oats is seeking scorers to replace the production expected to be lost with the departures of forward-center Aiden Sherrell and Taylor Bol Bowen. Sherrell and Bol Bowen entered the transfer portal and are likely to commit to new teams.
Freeman could be the ideal player for Oats to pursue, as he can light up the scoreboard and average at least 15.0 points per game.
With star sophomore Labaron Philon officially declaring his eligibility for the NBA Draft, having a proven scorer like the Bahamian could be a major plus for the team heading into the 2026-27 season.
St. John’s Red Storm
St. John’s could be considered a long shot to land Freeman’s services, but the chance to be coached by former national champion and Hall of Famer Rick Pitino is something the forward may not be able to refuse.
MORE: College Basketball 2026 Transfer Portal Tracker: Complete List of Players Who Are Available
This past season, Pitino signed Providence transfer Bryce Hopkins, who did not disappoint, starting all 37 games and averaging 13.6 points, 6.2 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 1.1 steals.
Freeman could play in both forward positions due to his versatility, length, and mobility. Having the 73-year-old Pitino as his head coach would further develop his skills while aiming to complete the season without injury.
