St. John’s coach Mike Anderson lands first New York City product in Julian Champagnie

By ADAM ZAGORIA

New St. John’s coach Mike Anderson has landed his first Big Apple recruit.

Julian Champagnie, the 6-foot-6, 210-pound wing from Bishop Loughlin High School in Brooklyn, committed to the Johnnies on Wednesday. He also considered Pittsburgh, Seton Hall and others.

“I picked St. John’s because it’s my home town and I think it’s time we put New York back on the map,” he told ZAGSBLOG.

Justin Champagnie, Julian’s twin brother, committed to Pitt in March, but the brothers will now play in different leagues. Both brothers reclassified to 2019 from 2020.

Julian Champagnie averaged 14.7 points, 8.3 rebounds and 1.6 assists as a junior at Loughlin. As a senior, he scored 17.2 points per game and scored 20-plus points 13 times.

“Julian’s greatest qualities are as a person,” said New Heights director Adam Berkowitz. “He’s a great leader and teammate and guys love playing with him. He is a dream to coach — humble and hard-working. On the court, his versatility sets him apart. He can guard multiple positions and on offense can play anywhere from shooting guard to power forward.”

Champagnie sees himself playing multiple roles at St. John’s.

“I play multiple positions so I can bring lots of things,” he said. “They told me I would be playing anywhere from the 1-4 in position.”

Anderson figures to recruit a mix of local and national kids after taking over for Chris Mullin April. Champagnie is his first New York City recruit and joins point guard Johnathan McGriff of Maryland, and junior college forward Damien Sears of Western Oklahoma State College.

St. John’s also returns a solid core including L.J. Figueroa, Mustapha Heron and Greg Williams and transfers Eli Wright, David Caraher and Ian Steere.

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