Pitt star Champagnie declares for NBA draft

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.