Justin Champagnie facts for kids
Champagnie in 2020
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| No. 9 – Washington Wizards | |
|---|---|
| Small forward / shooting guard | |
| Personal information | |
| Born | June 29, 2001 Staten Island, New York, U.S. |
| High school | Bishop Loughlin (Brooklyn, New York) |
| Listed height | 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m) |
| Listed weight | 206 lb (93 kg) |
| Career information | |
| College | Pittsburgh (2019–2021) |
| NBA Draft | 2021 / Undrafted |
| Pro career | 2021–present |
| League | NBA |
| Career history | |
| 2021–2022 | Toronto Raptors |
| 2021–2022 | →Raptors 905 |
| 2023 | Sioux Falls Skyforce |
| 2023 | Boston Celtics |
| 2023–2024 | Sioux Falls Skyforce |
| 2024–present | Washington Wizards |
| 2024–present | →Capital City Go-Go |
| Career highlights and awards | |
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Justin John Champagnie (pronounced sham-PEH-nee; born June 29, 2001) is an American professional basketball player. He plays for the Washington Wizards in the National Basketball Association (NBA). He also plays for the Capital City Go-Go in the NBA G League through a special "two-way contract." Before turning pro, he played college basketball for the Pittsburgh Panthers.
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Early Life and High School Years
Justin Champagnie was born in Staten Island, New York. He grew up in Brooklyn, New York. He went to Bishop Loughlin Memorial High School. In his final year of high school, he was a top player. He scored almost 20 points in each game. He was named to the first team Class AA All-State.
Many colleges wanted him to play for their basketball teams. He chose to play for Pittsburgh. This was a big step for his basketball career.
College Basketball Journey
Justin started strong in his first year at Pittsburgh. He led his team in scoring and rebounds. He averaged about 13 points and 7 rebounds per game. He was even named the national Freshman of the Week. This was after he had amazing games against Notre Dame and Georgia Tech.
In his second year, Justin continued to shine. He scored 31 points and grabbed 14 rebounds in a big win against Duke. This showed his skill and determination. He was chosen for the First Team All-ACC. This is a special honor for top players in his college league. He averaged 18 points and over 11 rebounds per game. After this great season, he decided to enter the 2021 NBA draft. This meant he would try to play professionally.
Starting His Pro Career
Joining the Toronto Raptors
Even though many thought he would be drafted, Justin was not picked in the 2021 NBA draft. However, he still got a chance to play in the NBA. On August 7, 2021, he signed a "two-way contract" with the Toronto Raptors. This type of contract lets a player split time between an NBA team and its G League team. The G League is like a development league for the NBA.
Justin played for both the Raptors and their G League team, Raptors 905. He made his NBA debut on November 1, 2021. He scored his first NBA points in a win against the New York Knicks. During his time with the Raptors, he learned a lot from star player Pascal Siakam. Justin looked up to Siakam like a big brother.
In July 2022, Justin signed another contract with the Raptors. But in December, the Raptors decided to let him go.
Moving to Other Teams
Playing for the Skyforce and Celtics
After leaving the Raptors, Justin joined the Sioux Falls Skyforce in the NBA G League in January 2023. He continued to play well there. His strong play caught the attention of another NBA team.
On April 7, 2023, Justin signed with the Boston Celtics. He played a few games for them. However, he was waived by the Celtics in July.
Return to Sioux Falls and Washington Wizards
Justin signed with the Miami Heat in August 2023, but he was waived before the season started. He then returned to play for the Sioux Falls Skyforce again.
In February 2024, Justin signed a 10-day contract with the Washington Wizards. He impressed them enough to sign another "two-way contract" in March. This means he now plays for the Wizards and their G League team, the Capital City Go-Go. He continues to work hard to make his mark in the NBA.
Family Life
Justin Champagnie has an identical twin brother named Julian Champagnie. Julian also plays professional basketball for the San Antonio Spurs. Their father, Ranford, was also an athlete. He played soccer for St. John's University in the 1990s. His father was part of the team that won a national championship in 1996.
See also
In Spanish: Justin Champagnie para niños
