Champaigne To Test NBA Draft Process
3/23/2021 3:00:00 PM | Men's Basketball
PITTSBURGH – University of Pittsburgh sophomore Justin Champagnie will test the NBA Draft process, head coach Jeff Capel announced Tuesday afternoon. Champagnie is coming off a second season at Pitt that saw him earn numerous accolades including AP Honorable Mention All-America and First Team All-ACC status.
"After talking it over with Coach Capel, my other coaches and my family, I have decided to test the NBA Draft process," said Champagnie. "The feedback I will gain from meetings, workouts and outside evaluations will shape the final decision on whether to remain in the draft or return to the University of Pittsburgh for my junior season. This process will only help my development and allow me to become a better player at Pitt or in the NBA."
Champagnie finished the season averaging 18.0 points, 11.1 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 1.3 blocks and 1.2 steals per game. He became the first Panther to average a double-double for the season since DeJuan Blair (2008-09) and the first player to average better than 18 points and 10 rebounds per game since Billy Knight (1973-74). He is the only major conference player currently averaging a double-double on the season.
"Justin had a terrific season and put himself in position to explore this opportunity," said Capel. "I have been impressed with Justin's development and his desire to be coached since his arrival at Pitt. I believe he is only scratching the surface of the player he can become. We will continue to work with him and his family throughout the NBA Draft process."
Champagnie ranks among the ACC leaders and nine statistical categories – scoring (18.0 ppg. – 2nd), rebounds (11.1 rpg. – 1st), defensive rebounds (7.7 drpg. – 1st), offensive rebounds (3.35 orpg. – 2nd), double-doubles (14 – 1st), field goal percentage (.477 – 9th), free throw percentage (.711 – 12th), blocked shots (1.25 bpg. – 10th) and minutes played (34.34 mpg. – 10th). The Brooklyn native became the fifth player in program history to score in double-figures in every game played in a season and just the second Pitt player (joining Jaime Peterson - 1994-95) to lead the team in scoring, rebounds, blocks and steals.
"After talking it over with Coach Capel, my other coaches and my family, I have decided to test the NBA Draft process," said Champagnie. "The feedback I will gain from meetings, workouts and outside evaluations will shape the final decision on whether to remain in the draft or return to the University of Pittsburgh for my junior season. This process will only help my development and allow me to become a better player at Pitt or in the NBA."
Champagnie finished the season averaging 18.0 points, 11.1 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 1.3 blocks and 1.2 steals per game. He became the first Panther to average a double-double for the season since DeJuan Blair (2008-09) and the first player to average better than 18 points and 10 rebounds per game since Billy Knight (1973-74). He is the only major conference player currently averaging a double-double on the season.
"Justin had a terrific season and put himself in position to explore this opportunity," said Capel. "I have been impressed with Justin's development and his desire to be coached since his arrival at Pitt. I believe he is only scratching the surface of the player he can become. We will continue to work with him and his family throughout the NBA Draft process."
Champagnie ranks among the ACC leaders and nine statistical categories – scoring (18.0 ppg. – 2nd), rebounds (11.1 rpg. – 1st), defensive rebounds (7.7 drpg. – 1st), offensive rebounds (3.35 orpg. – 2nd), double-doubles (14 – 1st), field goal percentage (.477 – 9th), free throw percentage (.711 – 12th), blocked shots (1.25 bpg. – 10th) and minutes played (34.34 mpg. – 10th). The Brooklyn native became the fifth player in program history to score in double-figures in every game played in a season and just the second Pitt player (joining Jaime Peterson - 1994-95) to lead the team in scoring, rebounds, blocks and steals.
Players Mentioned
F
/ Men's BasketballPitt Basketball | Jeff Capel, Cameron Corhen, Brandin Cummings | ACC TIPOFF
Wednesday, October 08
ACC TIPOFF | ACC Network | Cameron Corhen, Brandin Cummings
Tuesday, October 07
ACC TIPOFF | Press Conference | Jeff Capel, Cameron Corhen, Brandin Cummings
Tuesday, October 07
ACC TIPOFF | ACC Network | Jeff Capel
Tuesday, October 07