Donnie Freeman is back - and not a moment too soon for Syracuse.
After missing more than a month of action, the Orange’s leading scorer is set to return just in time for Wednesday’s ACC opener against Clemson. And make no mistake: this isn’t just a return, it’s a potential reset.
Freeman’s absence came at a brutal time, right before a four-game stretch loaded with high-caliber opponents. Syracuse managed just one résumé-building win during that span, and without their most dynamic offensive weapon, the team struggled to find consistency on either end.
Now, with Freeman back in the fold, Syracuse enters conference play with more than just a healthy roster - it enters with renewed opportunity. The ACC schedule will ultimately define whether this team hears its name called on Selection Sunday, and Freeman’s return could be the spark that flips the narrative on what has, so far, been a frustrating season.
No More Safety Nets
With Freeman suiting up again, the margin for error shrinks - and so do the excuses. Up to this point, it’s been fair to point to his absence when dissecting close losses or head-scratching performances, like the blowout defeat to Hofstra or the missed opportunity against Houston.
But now, Syracuse is back at full strength for the first time in weeks. That means the expectations rise accordingly.
Freeman wasted no time making an impact at the start of the season, dropping 20 points in back-to-back games. At 6-foot-9, he brings a rare blend of size, skill, and versatility. He can stretch the floor with his shooting, attack off the dribble, and create for others - a modern forward with a polished game that fits perfectly into Syracuse’s offensive scheme.
Sure, there may be a little rust to shake off. Freeman’s still early in his college career, and he’s only played 18 games total due to injuries. But if he’s healthy enough to play, the expectation is he’ll contribute - and Syracuse, for the first time in a while, will have its full arsenal ready to go.
A Rotation in Flux
Freeman’s return also means head coach Adrian Autry has some decisions to make. Syracuse has played nine straight games without its leading scorer, and during that stretch, younger players have stepped up in his absence. Now, the challenge becomes figuring out how to re-integrate Freeman without disrupting the chemistry that’s been building.
Freshman Sadiq White has filled in admirably during Freeman’s absence. In two of his last three games, he was just one rebound shy of a double-double - a sign of his growing confidence and production.
Tyler Betsey, who has shared minutes at the four, has shown flashes as well, though his scoring has been inconsistent. When his shot is falling, though, he’s been a real difference-maker.
The key here is balance. Freeman is likely to command 25-30 minutes per game, which means someone’s minutes are going to shrink.
But his return doesn’t have to push White or Betsey to the margins. In fact, it could open new lineup possibilities.
Freeman has the size and skill to slide over and play some small-ball five, giving Syracuse a look they haven’t been able to use this season. That not only adds depth - it adds unpredictability, something that could be a real asset in ACC play.
Autry’s task is to quickly identify which combinations work best. With Freeman in the mix, the Orange now have the pieces to be more versatile, more dangerous, and more difficult to scout. But it’s going to take some trial and error to get the rotation just right.
The Tournament Picture Gets a New Lens
Let’s be clear: Syracuse’s path to the NCAA Tournament is still uphill. Losses to Houston, Kansas, and Iowa State in Las Vegas were missed opportunities.
The Hofstra loss? That’s the kind of blemish that lingers on a résumé.
But Freeman’s return gives the Orange a chance to reframe the season.
If Syracuse can hit the ground running in ACC play, the selection committee will take notice. A strong showing in conference - with Freeman back and contributing - could provide the context needed to explain away some of the early-season struggles. It won’t erase them, but it could soften the blow.
That’s why Wednesday’s game against Clemson is more than just the start of conference play. It’s a line in the sand.
From this point forward, Syracuse has the chance to show it’s a different team than the one that stumbled through December. The margin for error is slim, but the opportunity is real.
If Freeman can stay healthy and play like the offensive weapon we saw in the season’s opening games, Syracuse has the firepower to make a run. And if that happens, this return won’t just be a welcome sight - it’ll be the turning point of the Orange’s season.