Duke Blue Devils can steal another Syracuse transfer after Maliq Brown
The Duke Blue Devils hit a home run with the last transfer they got from the Syracuse Orange, Maliq Brown.
Might be time to throw down a slam dunk with another portal move this offseason.
The newest SU player in the transfer portal is Donnie Freeman, who announced the news on his Instagram.
He spent two seasons at Syracuse after being the program’s highest-rated recruit since Carmelo Anthony.
Freeman was really good when on the court, but injuries cut out big parts of both his freshman and sophomore seasons.
The 6-foot-9 forward led the Orange in both scoring and rebounding this season with 16.5 points and 7.5 rebounds per game.
His length, athleticism and scoring instincts give him the potential to be a contributor not just at a new school but also eventually in the NBA.
There are already Kentucky fans on social media expressing interest in Freeman, but it wouldn’t be a shock if Jon Scheyer and Duke looked into Freeman, too.
This feels like a transfer portal decision by Freeman intended to land at a giant program and then propel himself to the professional ranks, too.
Duke clearly isn’t the only place he can do that, and there aren’t many openings to play for the Blue Devils, but Scheyer has gotten a good look at Freeman the last couple seasons and likely knows exactly what he’s made of.
It’d certainly hurt Syracuse fans if Freeman left. It could be something worth pursuing for Duke.
The Duke Blue Devils have quietly built a reputation in recent years for identifying and capitalizing on opportunities in the transfer portal, and their connection with the Syracuse Orange could once again pay dividends. After successfully landing Maliq Brown, Duke appears positioned to potentially lure another Syracuse contributor, continuing a subtle but impactful pipeline that reflects both roster strategy and evolving dynamics in college basketball.
Brown’s move to Durham already signaled a shift in how Duke approaches roster construction under Jon Scheyer. Traditionally reliant on elite freshmen and one-and-done talent, the Blue Devils have started to blend that model with experienced transfers who bring defensive toughness, versatility, and college-level maturity. Brown fits that mold perfectly, offering energy, rebounding, and defensive instincts that don’t always show up in box scores but can change games. His familiarity with high-level ACC competition also reduces the adjustment curve, making him an immediate asset.
Now, with Syracuse navigating its own roster transitions, Duke could be in position to strike again. The Orange have undergone significant changes in recent seasons, from coaching adjustments to roster turnover, creating openings for players to explore new environments. Whenever a program enters that kind of flux, other top teams pay close attention, and Duke is no exception. The Blue Devils’ stability, national profile, and player development track record make them an appealing destination for transfers looking to elevate their game.
From a basketball standpoint, the appeal is obvious. Duke offers a system that emphasizes spacing, defensive intensity, and NBA-style concepts, all while competing on one of the biggest stages in college basketball. Players transferring from Syracuse would also already understand the demands of ACC play, including the physicality and tactical discipline required nightly. That familiarity can make the transition smoother compared to players coming from smaller conferences.
There’s also a psychological element at play. When one player successfully makes the move from Syracuse to Duke and thrives, it naturally opens the door for others to consider the same path. Brown’s experience in Durham will be closely watched, not just by fans but by players evaluating their own futures. If he flourishes, it reinforces the idea that Duke can maximize a transfer’s potential, both individually and within a team concept.
For Syracuse, the challenge becomes retaining talent in an era where movement is easier than ever. The transfer portal has fundamentally changed roster building, and programs must constantly re-recruit their own players while competing with blue-blood programs like Duke. Losing multiple contributors to the same conference rival would be a tough blow, both competitively and symbolically.
Still, this situation underscores a broader trend in college basketball. Power programs are no longer relying solely on high school recruiting; they are actively mining the portal for proven players who can fill specific roles. Duke’s interest in another Syracuse transfer isn’t just opportunistic—it’s strategic. It reflects a program adapting to the modern game, where experience and fit are just as valuable as raw talent.
If the Blue Devils do manage to secure another Syracuse player, it would further solidify their evolving identity under Scheyer. More importantly, it would send a message across the ACC that Duke is not only reloading with freshmen but also retooling with experienced pieces, making them an even more complete and dangerous contender.
