Home / Sports / Pitino Poaches Top Recruit From Rival
Pitino Poaches Top Recruit From Rival
22 Apr
Summary
- Donnie Freeman committed to St. John's over Kentucky.
- Rick Pitino secured a key transfer without a visit.
- Kentucky's transfer portal additions remain limited.
Rick Pitino, the former Wildcats coach, has secured a crucial transfer portal addition for his St. John's team. Donnie Freeman, a promising forward from Syracuse, announced his commitment to the Red Storm, choosing St. John's over Mark Pope's Kentucky Wildcats.
This commitment is a significant win for Pitino, especially as Freeman committed without visiting St. John's campus. Kentucky had been considered a strong contender for Freeman, who had visited Lexington and canceled a trip to UConn.
The Wildcats have faced challenges in the transfer portal this offseason, with limited additions and several misses. Freeman's decision to join St. John's, a team that had previously focused on international recruits, marks their first significant portal acquisition.
Freeman, a 6-foot-9 forward, averaged 16.5 points and 7.2 rebounds last season despite battling injuries. His commitment adds considerable potential to St. John's, while Kentucky's struggles in the portal continue to draw criticism from its fanbase.
