How About Our Julian?!

From Loughlin Star to the NBA Finals: Julian Champagnie’s Moment

Loughlin alum and San Antonio Spurs forward Julian Champagnie '19 delivered when it mattered most — and now he’s headed to the NBA Finals.

In the Spurs’ dramatic 111–103 Game 7 victory over the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder on May 30, Champagnie played one of the most impactful games of his young career, helping propel San Antonio to its first Finals appearance since 2014.

After the win, Spurs head coach Mitch Johnson called him the team’s “unsung hero.”

“Julian’s been an integral part of our team defense, team rebounding, and all of that leads to us playing fast,” Johnson said. “He’s been absolutely phenomenal.”

He led both teams in three-pointers made and finished as the Spurs’ second-leading scorer (20 points) behind Victor Wembanyama’s 22 points.

Julian found his shooting rhythm when it mattered most.

Over the final three games of the series, he averaged 17.3 points and shot just under 48% from beyond the arc — delivering in two elimination games and the decisive Game 7. His six 3-pointers were critical to the Game 7 victory - and the most by a Spur in a Game 7 - in franchise history.

For the series overall, he averaged:

• 11.9 points
• 6.1 rebounds
• 1.6 assists
• 2.6 three-pointers per game
• 1.1 steals
• 0.9 blocks
• 33.9 minutes

His impact extended well beyond scoring. His rebounding, defensive effort, and hustle were vital throughout the seven-game battle.

(read more below)

Excellence On the Court — Character Off It

We are incredibly proud of Julian’s achievements on the court — his poise, his shooting, and his ability to deliver in the biggest moments.

But just as meaningful is the way he represents his alma mater.

In every press conference and interview, Julian demonstrates humility, gratitude, and maturity. He consistently credits teammates. He stays grounded. He speaks thoughtfully about his journey.

There is a reason so many media outlets want to interview him (yes, we may be a little biased).

He represents our institution with integrity and class — and that makes us just as proud as any stat line ever could.

A Finals Matchup That Feels Personal

Now the stage shifts to the NBA Finals, where the Spurs will face the New York Knicks for the championship beginning this week.

For Julian, this isn’t just another series.

It’s personal.

A Brooklyn native, he grew up in New York dreaming of moments like this. Facing the Knicks for a championship adds another layer of meaning to an already remarkable journey.

His family and lifelong friends will be there. The people who watched him grow from a young kid with big dreams into an NBA Finals competitor will now see him compete on basketball’s biggest stage.

There is something beautifully full circle about it:

A Brooklyn kid. Undrafted. Waived early in his career. Finding opportunity in San Antonio.

Now returning to face New York with a championship on the line.

It is every kid’s dream.

And it is happening now.