Donnie Freeman’s comeback story might just define Syracuse basketball’s future. After an injury-plagued freshman year, the 6-foot-9 forward is healthy, hungry, and, according to scouts, ready to lead the Orange back into national relevance. But here’s the twist that raised some eyebrows—despite rampant transfer speculation, Freeman insists he never even thought about leaving.
Donnie Freeman, a 205-pound power forward from Washington, D.C., entered Syracuse as one of the nation’s most anticipated recruits—the No. 6 overall prospect in the 2024 class. His freshman season began with flashes of the dominance many predicted, before an untimely injury limited him to just 14 games. Analysts like Jamie Shaw from On3 and Rivals remain firmly bullish on his future, calling him one of the ACC’s most intriguing breakout candidates for 2025–26.
Speaking at the ACC Tipoff event in Charlotte earlier this week, Freeman gave an optimistic update on his recovery journey. “The rehab was tough,” he admitted, “but I’m actually in a better place now than before the injury, and I’m excited to get back on the floor.” That kind of mindset is exactly what Syracuse needs if the program hopes to end its four-year NCAA Tournament drought. Simply put, the Orange’s success this season may hinge on Freeman’s sophomore leap.
Freeman’s freshman stats tell a compelling story: 13.4 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game while shooting 50.4% from the field, 79.6% from the line, and 33.3% from three-point range. For a player still adjusting to college basketball’s pace and physicality, those numbers were outstanding. Many fans believed his momentum would carry straight into stardom—until injury struck.
When the news broke last season that Freeman would be sidelined for the remainder of the year, rumors began swirling on social media that he might transfer. After all, that’s become the norm in modern college basketball, where the transfer portal offers instant exits for dissatisfied players. But some close to the program, including seasoned fans and journalists familiar with Freeman’s close relationship with the coaching staff, weren’t buying it. After all, his bond with Syracuse dates all the way back to his high school recruitment.
And sure enough, Freeman confirmed it himself in an interview earlier this week: leaving was never on the table. “Yeah, despite what others were saying, it was a no-brainer to come back,” he said confidently. “I felt like I had unfinished business here—with my team, with my coaches. I trust this staff completely, and they trust me. This is where I want to be.” His loyalty bucks the trend in today’s transfer-heavy landscape, where many athletes chase quicker exposure or new opportunities. It’s refreshing, and perhaps even controversial, given how normalized transferring has become.
Ryan Hammer of 247Sports even slotted Freeman on his preseason All-ACC Second Team—a clear sign that the broader basketball community expects a statement year from him. Considering Syracuse’s revamped roster, that kind of leadership will be crucial. Out of 13 scholarship players for the 2025–26 campaign, 11 are new faces—six transfers and five freshmen. The only returnees? Freeman and senior sharpshooter J.J. Starling. Together, they represent stability, chemistry, and a bridge between eras.
If Freeman fulfills the potential many see in him, his sophomore season could reignite the Orange’s competitive edge in the ACC. But that invites a bigger debate: Is staying loyal to one program still a smart move in college basketball’s modern, transfer-driven world—or is Freeman taking a risk by not testing the portal? What do you think—loyalty or mobility? Drop your thoughts in the comments below; this conversation is just getting started.
