Another Champagnie hopes to play for Raptors

Julian Champagnie has seen the rigours an NBA season first-hand from his twin brother Justin, and so has no illusions about playing basketball on the game's biggest stage.

TORONTO – Julian Champagnie has seen the rigours an NBA season first-hand from his twin brother Justin, and so has no illusions about playing basketball on the game’s biggest stage.

“I definitely have a lot of respect for (Justin),” Julian said. “He did have some really high moments and had some really low ones where he wasn’t playing (in his rookie season with the Raptors), and I know how he felt, it was tough. Seeing him persevere and continue to go harder and eventually find his role, it was something nice to watch.”

Julian Champagnie said it had been a couple of years since the 20-year-old identical twins had played together, but they were on the same OVO Athletic Centre court in Toronto on Wednesday.

The Raptors brought Julian in for a pre-draft workout, while Justin — who’s one season into a two-way deal with the Raptors and their G League affiliate Raptors 905 — was across the gym practising with some teammates.

The brothers went their separate ways after high school, Julian to St. John’s, where he played three seasons of NCAA basketball, Justin to Pittsburgh, where he played two seasons. He went undrafted last year, but the Raptors signed the 6-6 small forward soon after.

Julian Champagnie, who shot 41.4 per cent this past season, said their games are quite different. He’s more of a shooter, he said, while his brother plays more of a power game.

Toronto marked Champagnie’s sixth stop on his NBA pre-draft workout schedule, and he had several more to complete. So odds are slim he’ll end up on the same pro team as his brother.

But it’s a nice thought.