Julian Champagnie named 3rd team All-American by Athlon Sports

Preseason award season for college basketball is here, and this season, St. John’s has some players who will be in the national conversation.

Heading into his third season at St. John’s, Julian Champagnie, the 6’8” swingman from Brooklyn, has been listed as a Third-Team All-American by Athlon Sports. Yes, it is only one publication, but the honor is a sign that Champagnie, the Big East’s leading scorer last season, is on the national radar.

Champagnie entered his name into the NBA Draft to be evaluated, but the combination of a lack of a first-round draft guarantee and an wrist injury spurred him to spurn the draft for at least another season. That decision brings St. John’s into the season with a marquee player, used to drawing the opposing team’s attention, back into the fold — with more to prove to NBA scouts.

The Red Storm will need him, obviously, with Champagnie, Posh Alexander and Dylan Addae-Wusu as the sole returnees from last year’s team. The incoming transfer talent has promise, but centering around a consistent scorer is a good start to weave a full team together.