Syracuse's Donnie Freeman Cancels UConn Visit, Fueling Kentucky Speculation

The highly-touted power forward's decision raises hopes for the Wildcats' recruiting efforts.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 3:25pm

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A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting the dynamic movements of a basketball player, with sharp planes of color and form creating an abstract, conceptual representation.The complex recruitment of a top basketball prospect is deconstructed into an abstract, geometric portrait.Lexington Today

Syracuse forward Donnie Freeman, a former top-10 recruit in the 2024 class, has canceled his planned visit to UConn, a move that is being seen as a positive sign for Kentucky's chances of landing the talented big man. Freeman recently visited Lexington and there has been growing buzz about the Wildcats' recruitment of the Bahamian-born player.

Why it matters

Freeman's decision to cancel the UConn visit is a significant development in his recruitment, as Kentucky has emerged as a frontrunner alongside Alabama to land the coveted power forward. His potential commitment would be a major boost for the Wildcats' 2024 class.

The details

The 6'9" Freeman averaged 16.5 points and 7.2 rebounds per game as a freshman at Syracuse last season. He was projected to be a second-round NBA draft pick before deciding to return to school. Kentucky assistant coach Mikhail McLean, who was an assistant on the Bahamian national team that Freeman played for, has been actively involved in the recruitment.

  • Freeman visited Kentucky on April 14-15.
  • Freeman was scheduled to visit UConn on April 17, but has now canceled that trip.

The players

Donnie Freeman

A 6'9" power forward who played his freshman season at Syracuse, averaging 16.5 points and 7.2 rebounds per game. Freeman was a former top-10 recruit in the 2024 class and has emerged as a top target for Kentucky and Alabama.

Mikhail McLean

A Kentucky assistant coach who previously served as an assistant on the Bahamian national team that Freeman played for, giving him a connection to the talented forward.

Jake McCreven

A reporter for UConn Report who broke the news of Freeman's canceled visit to UConn.

Jeff Goodman

A college basketball analyst who predicted that Freeman will end up at Kentucky, while Duke transfer Nikolas Khamenia will choose UConn.

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What they’re saying

“Donnie Freeman's trip to UConn is off, a good sign for Kentucky.”

— Jake McCreven, UConn Report

“Predicting that Duke transfer wing Nikolas Khamenia will end up at UConn and Freeman at Kentucky.”

— Jeff Goodman

What’s next

Kentucky fans will be eagerly awaiting any news on Freeman's recruitment, as his commitment would be a major boost for the Wildcats' 2024 class. The next key date will be if and when Freeman announces his college decision.

The takeaway

Freeman's decision to cancel his UConn visit is a strong signal that Kentucky has emerged as the frontrunner to land the talented power forward. His potential addition would be a significant recruiting win for the Wildcats as they look to build their roster for the 2024-25 season.