NCAA Basketball rumors: Kentucky, St. John’s battling for $3 million Syracuse transfer

St. John’s and Kentucky basketball are each losing a key frontcourt talent, forcing them to comb the transfer portal for a potential replacement. They just so happen to be pursing the same player. The two Power Four programs are reportedly targeting Donnie Freeman, who is leaving Syracuse after two seasons, per On3’s Pete Nakos. Money will likely play a factor, as it often does.

Freeman is expected to sign an NIL contract greater than $3 million. The Wildcats seemed to be generating considerable momentum in their courtship of the 2024 McDonald’s All-American, but the Red Storm are not out of this race yet. Rick Pitino boasts quite the legacy during his long head coaching tenure, so turning him down is never easy. There is also a certain cachet that comes with playing for Kentucky. Freeman has much to consider.

The 6-foot-9 native of Washington, D.C. averaged 16.5 points and 7.2 rebounds while shooting 47.4 percent from the field and 30.2 percent from 3-point range in 23 games last season. Instead of seeing how the Gerry McNamara era takes shape in Syracuse, Freeman is opting for a fresh start in his junior campaign.

St. John’s is looking for the same now that Big East Player of the Year Zuby Ejiofor is graduating. Pitino knows it will be hard to replace the star forward’s impact, but a former five-star recruit who is already accustomed to the Northeast might be a fine candidate. Kentucky also has a hole to fill since Mouhamed Dioubate entered the portal. Coincidentally, the Johnnies have their eye on the former Alabama transfer, so they could inflict pain on Lexington in multiple ways.

The Donnie Freeman bidding war carries on, as both St. John’s and Kentucky try to figure out how to engineer a deep run in the 2027 NCAA Tournament.

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