Pitt's Justin Champagnie takes brief look into 2021-22, possible matchup with twin brother, Julian

Justin Champagnie’s thoughts mainly are focused on Pitt’s game Saturday against Florida State and how to reverse the Panthers’ current 1-6 slide.

But during his video conference call with reporters Friday, he said he’s eager to be a part of Pitt’s reported game against St. John’s next season when he would be matched against his twin brother, Julian. CBS Sports college basketball insider Jon Rothstein reported the teams will meet in the Gotham Classic in December, possibly in Madison Square Garden.

Sources: St. John's will face Pitt in the 2021 Gotham Classic. Event is normally held at MSG. Game will be played at some point in December.

— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) February 15, 2021

“I’ve been wanting that game since my freshman year,” said Champagnie, a sophomore who leads the ACC in points (18.7) and rebounds (11.5) per game.

“I talk to coach about it all the time. To see it’s happening next year means a lot. I can’t wait to get out there and hoop against him.”

Meanwhile, Pitt has several more games to play this season. After that, Champagnie may have to consider the lure of the NBA.

For now, however, Champagnie will be happy just to get Pitt’s second victory in the past month when the Panthers confront No. 16 Florida State at Petersen Events Center.

“It’s all about sticking together,” he said. “We feel if we come in the game and just out-tough them, we will pull out the win.”

He said this year’s team is better able to handle adversity than last season’s version that lost eight of its final nine games.

“We dug ourselves a hole,” he said. “I feel like we can get out of it. Last year, the team wasn’t together. We broke apart. I feel like we’re still together for the most part.”

Senior Terrell Brown agreed.

“We can’t point fingers like we did in the past and have that affect how we play,” he said. “We have to keep on rolling and pick your brother up and move onto the next play, instead of dwelling on it and having it affect the next couple plays. It’s all about maturity.”

Champagnie, who missed two games with a knee injury earlier this season, said he’s receiving more treatment on his knee than he did last year after hurting it.

“I’m pretty much still myself,” he said. “I could get better in certain categories, speed and my explosiveness. It’s all about getting back into a rehab and making my leg stronger, which I’ve been doing.

“As of right now, I feel fine. I feel like I have to be tougher, and everything will work out.”

Champagnie was averaging 17.8 points before his injury. In the subsequent nine games, he’s averaging 19.2, with games of 24 and 31 points while leading Pitt to victories against Syracuse and Duke.

His rebound average slipped from 12.3 to 10.8.

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