On Monday, the NBA announced that the withdrawal deadline for players declaring for its draft will be at 5 p.m. on July 19.
This announcement is especially important for Pitt now, just days after sophomore Justin Champagnie, the team’s undisputed best player, announced that he would be testing the draft process.
“After talking it over with Coach Capel, my other coaches and my family, I have decided to test the NBA Draft process,” Champagnie said on March 23. “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.”
While Pitt is trying to navigate through an offseason filled with an unheard of amount of transfers on top of high school recruiting, this announcement of a pushed-back withdrawal date only adds to the craziness. Champagnie will have up until July 19 to make his decision on whether or not to stay in the draft or to come back to play at Pitt, a date that is much later than last year’s (June 3).
The First Team All-ACC Champagnie, as well as his brother Julian who played for St. Johns, has been listed on numerous NBA mock drafts throughout the season. If Champagnie decides to stay in the draft, he can potentially be chosen to participate in the NBA Draft Combine, which will take place from June 21-27. The NBA Draft will be held ten days after the deadline on July 29.
He is not ready now and it is unlikely at his size and skill set the NBA will ever be interested in him even if he stays at Pitt 4 years. His best opportunity is to play in Europe.