Pitt’s Justin Champagnie ‘Can’t Wait’ to Face Brother Julian, St. John’s Next Season

Pitt will play St. John’s in the 2021 Gotham Classic at Madison Square Garden, a return to the historic venue for the program, which has played so many impactful games there over the years.

For one Pitt player, that game could have an extra special meaning. Sophomore Pitt wing Justin Champagnie is a Brooklyn, New York native and his twin brother, Julian, plays for the Red Storm and their father, Ranford, played soccer at the New York school.

Justin Champagnie, Julian Champagnie recruiting visit on February 16, 2019 — David Hague/PSN

There has been speculation that Champagnie could leave Pitt for the NBA after his stellar sophomore season, but he said on Friday that he’s looking forward to the game against his brother later this year.

“I’ve been wanting that game since freshman year,” Champagnie said. “I talk to coach about it all the time, ‘Let’s just go play St. John’s. Let’s do it.’ Just to see it’s happening next year means a lot. I can’t wait to get out there and hoop against him.”