Julian Champagnie highlighted his New York roots and Finals return as the San Antonio Spurs prepare for Game 1 against the New York Knicks on Wednesday, June 3.
“I grew up there, so being able to go back to the Garden and compete for a championship, it’s the best feeling ever.”
Champagnie described what it means to represent New York on the NBA’s biggest stage while also competing against familiar faces from his past.
“Obviously, I’m from there. I grew up in Brooklyn, not Staten Island. But I mean, I grew up there, so being able to go back to the Garden and compete for a championship, it’s the best feeling ever.”
He also reflected on his connection with Knicks guard Jose Alvarado and their shared background in New York City basketball.
“Obviously Jose’s from the towns, so I’ve been around him for a while now. I won’t lie, they definitely got the better of us a bunch of times when he was at Christ the King and I was at Loughlin. But it was always good memories. He was a great guard, quick, crafty, feisty.”
The Finals setting has added another layer of experience for the Spurs forward, who spoke about seeing the championship environment up close for the first time.
“I didn’t know that it was hand painted. It was painted on the court. So, walking over it, I’m thinking it’s a sticker and then I’m looking at it, I’m like, yo, this might be painted. But it was pretty cool.”
He also detailed his first direct encounter with the Larry O’Brien Trophy during Finals preparations.
“We seen the Larry O’Brien yesterday. That was my first time seeing that as well in person. So getting all these experiences around that trophy and this type of atmosphere, it’s been great so far. It’s been exciting.”
Champagnie credited Stephon Castle for setting a defensive tone during the postseason run.
“Steph’s been great for us all year. He’s been our best defensive player outside of the big fella down low. I personally think it’s All-Defensive guard right there. 100%. He’s taken every matchup with pride.”
He added a clear assessment of the guard’s role on opposing stars throughout the series build-up.
“There’s not a night that he’s playing and he’s not guarding the opposing team’s best player. So, shout out to Steph. We wouldn’t be this far without his relentlessness. But I think he’s been great so far. He’s a dog. He’s a dog.”
Champagnie also connected his development to his time at St. John’s under Mike Anderson, pointing to lessons that carried into the NBA Finals stage.
“He taught me a lot of things about being honest, being coachable, presentable and stuff like that. And also being a team player and finding your role wherever you go.”
He added that the college experience helped prepare him for pressure environments similar to what awaits at Madison Square Garden.
“Being from New York and having those kinds of fans and that kind of pressure and heat on you when you’re the guy at your school and stuff like that, it helps you stay poised.”
Looking back on his journey from being undrafted to reaching the Finals, Champagnie emphasized persistence and opportunity.
“I think it comes down to opportunity honestly and truth at the end of the day. Obviously, you have to work hard and stay grounded and, how I say it, but just persevere, continue to persevere, continue to keep your head down, continue to work.”
