Justin Champagnie is taking the first step toward the NBA while leaving room for his return to Pitt for the 2021-22 season.

Coach Jeff Capel announced Tuesday that Champagnie, who was an honorable-mention All-American and first-team All-ACC as a sophomore this season, will test the NBA Draft process.

— Pitt Basketball (@Pitt_MBB) March 23, 2021

“After talking it over with coach Capel, my other coaches and my family, I have decided to test the NBA Draft process,” Champagnie, 19, said in a statement released by Pitt. “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’s decision will go a long way toward shaping Pitt’s roster this offseason. At the moment, Capel has five available scholarships after losing transfers Trey McGowens, Xavier Johnson, Au’Diese Toney and Gerald Drumgoole Jr. the past two seasons. Terrell Brown concluded his senior season — his fourth at Pitt — earlier this month, was recognized at Senior Night and hopes to transfer elsewhere to complete his eligibility.

Over 22 games in the covid-shortened 2020-21 season, Champagnie took his place among the great single-season players in Pitt history. He was the first Pitt player since DeJuan Blair (2008-09) to average a double-double (18 points, 11.1 rebounds) and the first to average more than 18 and 10 since Billy Knight (1973-74).

He led Pitt in scoring and rebounding and finished his season as the only major conference player averaging a double-double. He led the ACC in rebounding and was second in scoring.

Champagnie, who is only the fifth player in Pitt history to score in double figures in every game in a season, also contributed 1.6 assists, 1.3 blocks and 1.2 steals per game.

Probably his finest performances occurred immediately after his earlier-than-expected return from a knee injury that forced him to miss two games. In his first two games back in the lineup, he scored 24 and 31 points against Syracuse and Duke.

“Justin had a terrific season and put himself in position to explore this opportunity,” Capel said in a statement. “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 also ranked among the ACC’s best players in defensive rebounds (7.7, first), offensive rebounds (3.35, second), double-doubles (14, first), field-goal percentage (.477, ninth), free-throw percentage (.711, 12th), blocked shots (1.25, 10th) and minutes played (34.34, 10th). He is the second player in Pitt history since Jaime Peterson (1994-1995) to lead the team in scoring, rebounds, blocks and steals.

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