Syracuse is about to get a significant boost heading into ACC play - and his name is Donnie Freeman.
After missing most of the early season with a lower-body injury, the 6-foot-9 sophomore forward is expected to return to the lineup when the Orange open conference action at home against Clemson on New Year’s Eve. Freeman has only appeared in four games this season, but his impact in that short window was undeniable. Now, with the ACC grind ahead, his return could be a turning point for a Syracuse team still trying to find its identity.
What Donnie Freeman Brings Back to the Floor
Let’s start with the obvious: Freeman was leading the team in scoring at 17.8 points per game before going down. That’s not a small sample of empty stats - that’s production that was powering the offense. And while it’s fair to expect a bit of a ramp-up period as he regains conditioning and chemistry with his teammates, his return instantly raises the ceiling for this squad.
There’s been some chatter - from message boards to social media - questioning whether Syracuse is better off without Freeman. That’s a tough sell.
When a player is producing at that level and offering the kind of versatility Freeman does, it’s hard to argue the team is stronger without him. If anything, his presence gives the Orange more options, more balance, and more upside.
Offensive Firepower - and Relief for the Supporting Cast
Freeman’s scoring touch is going to take pressure off younger forwards like Tyler Betsey and Sadiq White Jr., who’ve had to shoulder more of the offensive load in his absence. Betsey, for example, is shooting just 36.8% from the field - not ideal for a high-usage player. With Freeman back, defenders will have to shift their attention, which could open up cleaner looks and better rhythm for the rest of the frontcourt.
Even if Freeman doesn’t immediately return to that near-18-point average, his presence alone changes the dynamics of how teams have to defend Syracuse. He’s a threat at all three levels - especially in the midrange and around the rim - and that makes him a key piece in half-court sets.
A Much-Needed Boost at the Free-Throw Line
One of the more overlooked aspects of Freeman’s game is his consistency at the line. He shot nearly 80% as a freshman and was hitting 77.8% before his injury this season. That’s a huge deal for a Syracuse team that’s been abysmal at the stripe - just 59.0% as a team.
In fact, only Freeman and junior point guard Naithan George are connecting on better than 60% from the line among the Orange’s main rotation players. That’s not just a stat - it’s a game-deciding issue in close ACC matchups. Freeman gives them a reliable option late in games when points at the line matter most.
Frontcourt Depth and Lineup Flexibility
Freeman’s return also gives head coach Adrian Autry more flexibility with his rotations. The sophomore can play both the four and the five, which allows the coaching staff to mix and match lineups depending on matchups, foul trouble, or game flow.
That kind of versatility is invaluable in the ACC, where matchups can shift dramatically from night to night. Whether it’s sliding Freeman to center in smaller lineups or pairing him with another big to control the glass, Syracuse now has more tools in the toolbox.
Stretch Potential and Floor Spacing
While Freeman hasn’t been lights-out from beyond the arc this season - he’s shooting 27.3% from three - he did knock down 33.3% as a freshman, and defenders have to respect his ability to step out. That alone helps space the floor.
When defenses have to honor a big man who can shoot, it opens up driving lanes and unclogs the paint. That benefits not just Freeman, but slashers and cutters who thrive on space inside. If Freeman can find his rhythm from deep again, it could be a game-changer for an Orange offense that’s currently hitting just 30.8% from long range.
Rebounding and Rim Protection
Syracuse has held its own defensively this season, but rebounding continues to be a weak spot. Freeman was averaging 5.3 boards and 1.3 blocks per game before the injury - second on the team in both categories.
Those aren’t eye-popping numbers, but they matter. Freeman’s length and timing give Syracuse a better chance to control the glass and protect the rim, especially against ACC frontcourts that are bigger and more physical than what the Orange have seen so far. He’s not an elite defender yet, but he’s active, and that counts.
Unlocking the Half-Court Offense
One of the biggest criticisms of Syracuse’s offense this season has been the lack of movement - both ball and player. Too often, possessions stall out with isolation sets or stagnant off-ball action. Freeman’s return could help change that.
He’s a capable ball-handler for his size, and that allows the Orange to use him in high pick-and-roll situations. When he gets the ball near the free-throw line, he can either attack, kick to shooters, or make the extra pass. If teams double him, he’s smart enough to find the open man - and that kind of decision-making can bring much-needed flow to an offense that’s been prone to bogging down.
Bottom Line
Donnie Freeman’s return comes at a critical time for Syracuse. Conference play is a different animal, and the Orange are going to need every bit of talent, toughness, and depth they can muster.
Freeman isn’t a cure-all, but he’s a difference-maker. He scores, rebounds, spaces the floor, and gives the team lineup flexibility it’s been missing. If he can stay healthy and find his rhythm, Syracuse just got a lot more dangerous - and their path to the NCAA Tournament just got a little more real.