Pitt star Champagnie declares for NBA draft

GREENSBORO, NORTH CAROLINA - MARCH 11: Justin Champagnie #11 of the Pittsburgh Panthers looks on during their game against the North Carolina State Wolfpack in the second round of the 2020 Men's ACC Basketball Tournament at Greensboro Coliseum on March 11, 2020 in Greensboro, North Carolina.
Jared C. Tilton / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Pittsburgh All-ACC first-team forward Justin Champagnie announced Monday that he's decided to hire an agent and enter the NBA draft.

Champagnie's exit worsens a tough week for the Panthers and head coach Jeff Capel, who on Sunday learned five-star prospect Efton Reid had committed to LSU. Pitt was among a handful of programs heavily recruiting the 6-foot-11 big man.

The Brooklyn-born Champagnie averaged 18 points and 11.1 rebounds last term, earning honorable mention AP All-American honors. Champagnie is also the first Pitt player to be named to the All-ACC first team.

Champagnie's twin brother, Julian, plays for St. John's, where he earned an All-Big East first-team nod and was selected as the conference's Co-Most Improved Player after leading the Red Storm with 19.8 points per game.

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