Tag: Chucky Hepburn

Former Wisconsin guard registers career outing in narrow loss to Kentucky

Chucky Hepburn continued his stellar start to the season

Former Wisconsin point guard Chucky Hepburn continued his stellar 2024-25 campaign on Saturday afternoon, this time with a career performance in Louisville’s road loss to No. 5 Kentucky.

The former Badger star finished the 93-85 defeat with 26 points, five rebounds and five assists on 9-of-18 shooting. His play in 39 minutes of action almost single-handedly kept Louisville in the game against a Kentucky team that appears to be among the best in the country.

The strong outing on a national stage is the second time Hepburn has surpassed 25 points this season, the previous was a career-high 32 points in a Battle 4 Atlantis win over West Virginia.

His season averages are up to 15.2 points, 3.5 rebounds, 4.8 assists and 3 steals on 47.7% shooting from the floor and 33.3% from 3.

It’s safe to say both Hepburn and Nebraska shooting guard Connor Essegian are faring well at their new destinations. Kansas’ A.J. Storr, meanwhile, is still trying to find a consistent role in the lineup.

Wisconsin is off to a strong start to the 2024-25 season without those three transfers. Wing John Tonje has mostly filled the scoring void left by Storr, and a combination of players have worked to fill the leadership void left by Hepburn.

Of all who left via the portal, Wisconsin still likely misses Hepburn the most. His three steals per game rank No. 5 in the sport — that paired with a career-best output on the offense end of the court. Max Klesmit, John Blackwell and Kamari McGee have all played well to begin the season, but none have risen to the level of Hepburn’s.

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Wisconsin transfers A.J. Storr, Chucky Hepburn quiet as Kansas, Louisville face losing skids

Wisconsin transfers A.J. Storr, Chucky Hepburn quiet as Kansas, Louisville face losing skids

The week of Dec. 2 was not kind to the Wisconsin Badgers. The team began the week ranked 11th but dropped two high-profile matchups, one to Big Ten rival Michigan and one to in-state rival No. 5 Marquette.

The team is 8-2 overall and 0-1 in Big Ten play entering the heart of December.

Related: Updated Big Ten basketball power rankings (Dec. 9): Wisconsin slides, Michigan surges

While the Badgers struggled on the court, so did the program’s former transfers and their respective new programs. Chucky Hepburn and the Louisville Cardinals went 0-2 against No. 23 Ole Miss and No. 9 Duke last week. A.J. Storr and No. 1 Kansas fell to Creighton and Missouri.

Here is how the two former Badgers performed in each of those mentioned losses, plus their updated season averages:

Chucky Hepburn:

  • vs. Ole Miss (86-63 loss): 36 minutes, 19 points, four assists, two rebounds on 5-of-10 shooting, 7-of-9 from the free-throw line
  • vs. Duke (76-65 loss): 37 minutes, eight points, five assists, three rebounds on 2-of-11 shooting, 2-of-7 from 3
  • Season averages: 31.4 minutes, 14.3 points, 3.1 rebounds, 4.6 assists, 3.2 steals on 48.8% shooting and 33% from 3

AJ Storr:

  • vs. Creighton (76-63 loss): 27 minutes, 12 points, three rebounds on 4-of-13 shooting
  • vs. Missouri (76-67 loss): 18 minutes, two points, three rebounds on 1-of-7 shooting, 0-of-3 from 3
  • Season averages: 21.3 minutes, 8.4 points, 1.8 rebounds, 1.3 assists on 41% shooting and 36% from 3

Hepburn and Storr transferred after leading the 2023-24 Badgers in nearly every category. Hepburn did so after starting at point guard for three seasons.

The ebbs and flows of the basketball season affect individuals and teams. Hepburn started hot, including a statement performance in Louisville’s win over West Virginia at the Battle 4 Atlantis. He and the Cardinals have taken a step back of late. They’re still looking to establish position in a tough ACC.

Storr, meanwhile, plays a reserve role for a Kansas team that is set to fall from its previous No. 1 ranking. He’s had strong outings, including 11 key points in the Jayhawks’ Nov. 26 win over Duke. But his numbers are down across the board after operating as Wisconsin’s primary offensive option last season.

The Badgers did well in finding transfer John Tonje this offseason. The former Colorado State and Missouri wing is averaging 21.5 points, 5.1 rebounds and 1.7 assists through 10 games. But he, like both Hepburn and Storr, has taken a slight step back during Wisconsin’s recent losing skid.

Wisconsin is back on the court on Tuesday night on the road at No. 19 Illinois. Hepburn and Louisville host UTEP before a big game at No. 4 Kentucky, and Storr and Kansas host NC State and Brown before the holiday break.

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Former Badgers star after career night: I’m ‘one of the best point guards in the country’

Former Wisconsin star has career performance in Louisville overtime win over West Virginia

Former Wisconsin star guard Chucky Hepburn had arguably the best outing of his college basketball career on Thursday.

In Louisville’s 79-70 overtime win over West Virginia, the former Badger produced 32 points, three rebounds, two assists and six steals on 8-of-12 shooting and 14-of-17 from the free-throw line.

Related: Updated Big Ten basketball power rankings (Nov. 25): Wisconsin continues to rise

Those 32 points are a career high for the veteran point guard. His previous top output was a 27-point outing in Wisconsin’s NIT second-round win over Liberty on March 19, 2023.

“It’s senior year. I think I lay in the back seat for a long time,” Hepburn told ESPN after the win. “It’s time to show the world who Chucky Hepburn is. I’m a bucket-getter, one of the best point guards in the country, and I stand by that.”

Hepburn’s per-game averages are up to 15 points, 2.5 rebounds, 4.7 assists, 4.2 steals and 29 minutes per game of action. That 4.2 steal-per-game clip is currently No. 1 in the entire country — nobody else averages more than four.

The win over West Virginia improved the Cardinals to 5-1 on the season and clinched their ticket to the 2024 Battle 4 Atlantis championship game. They will face the Oklahoma Sooners on Friday evening.

The contest also reinserted Hepburn into the national conversation. After operating as Wisconsin’s secondary option behind Johnny Davis, A.J. Storr and forward Tyler Wahl, Hepburn is leading a Louisville team that appears in line for a resurgent campaign.

Hepburn’s decision to transfer from Wisconsin was headline news in March. His stellar play at Louisville and spot as the nation’s-best defender continues to make headlines.

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Former Wisconsin guard leads Louisville to blowout win over No. 14 Indiana

Former Wisconsin guard leads Louisville to blowout win over No. 14 Indiana

Former Wisconsin basketball guard Chucky Hepburn put together his best performance of the 2024-25 season in the Louisville Cardinals’ blowout win over No. 14 Indiana on Wednesday.

As one of eight teams competing in the Battle 4 Atlantis holiday tournament, Louisville decimated the 14th-ranked Hoosiers, 89-61, on Wednesday morning.

Hepburn was absolutely electric on both ends of the floor. In 29 minutes of action, the former Badger star registered 16 points, a season-high 10 assists and seven steals. Those numbers came on 7-of-10 shooting and 2-of-4 from beyond the arc.

Through five games with the Cardinals, Hepburn is averaging 11.6 points, 2.4 rebounds, 5.2 assists, 3.8 steals and more than 27 minutes per game. As of Nov. 27, his 3.8 swipes per contest are the second-best in the nation behind UC San Diego’s Hayden Gray (3.86 SPG).

Hepburn, who flashed his defensive brilliance during his tenure in Madison, is morphing into one of college basketball’s peskiest perimeter defenders. He is proving his worth on the offensive end; the guard is shooting better than 51% from the floor for the Cardinals.

In 103 career appearances with Wisconsin from 2021-24, the point guard averaged 32.1 minutes per game, 9.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.6 steals on 42% shooting and 36% from 3-point range.

In his absence, the Badgers have leaned on star wing John Tonje and sophomore guard John Blackwell. Wisconsin is off to an 8-0 start and is No. 15 in the latest AP Poll.

Former Wisconsin guard produces season-high output in Louisville blowout win

Former Wisconsin guard logs season-high output in Louisville blowout win

Former Wisconsin basketball guard Chucky Hepburn logged a season-high point total in the Louisville Cardinals’ blowout win over Bellarmine on Tuesday.

In 26 minutes of action, Hepburn registered 16 points, five rebounds, two assists and four steals in the 100-68 triumph. Those numbers came on on 6-of-11 shooting and 1-of-6 from beyond the arc.

Through three games with the Cardinals, Hepburn is responsible for 10.7 points, 2.3 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 3.3 steals in nearly 25 minutes per game. As of Nov. 21, Hepburn’s 3.33 swipes per contest ranked eighth in the nation, only behind UTSA’s Raekwon Horton (4.5), Washington’s Great Osobor (4.0), UC San Diego’s Hayden Gray (3.75), UTSA’s Jonnivius Smith (3.5), UNLV’s Jalen Hill (3.5), Texas Tech’s Elijah Hawkins (3.5) and Central Michigan’s Anthony Pritchard (3.4).

In 103 career games with Wisconsin from 2021-2024, Hepburn played in 103 games and averaged 32.1 minutes, 9.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.6 steals on 42% shooting and 36% from 3. The Nebraska native was a 2023-24 All-Big Ten Honorable Mention, 2024 Big Ten All-Defensive Team member and 2022 Big Ten All-Freshman Team member as well.

In his absence, the Badgers have turned to a combination of scoring from star wing John Tonje, sophomore guard John Blackwell and senior guard Max Klesmit. The three currently combine for over 53 points per game as UW sits at 5-0 and No. 19 in the latest AP Poll.

Former Wisconsin transfer quiet in Louisville’s blowout loss to No. 12 Tennessee

Former Wisconsin transfer quiet in Louisville’s blowout loss to No. 12 Tennessee

Former Wisconsin star Chucky Hepburn was mostly quiet during Louisville’s 77-55 loss to No. 12 Tennessee on Saturday.

The longtime Badger finished the contest with eight points on 2-of-7 shooting, in addition to four assists, four rebounds, six steals and four turnovers. Those numbers led a starting lineup that somehow finished the game with a combined 16 points on 5-of-23 shooting.

Related: Where Wisconsin basketball stands in latest odds to win 2024-25 Big Ten regular season title

Hepburn was candid after the blowout loss, saying: “That’s not who I am. … This is my last game turning the ball over that much.”

For contest, those four turnovers are his most in a game since Wisconsin’s loss to North Texas in the NIT semifinal to close the 2022-23 season.

The former Badger has 16 combined points on 3-of-10 shooting, plus five rebounds, eight assists, six steals and five turnovers through his first two games with Louisville. The Cardinals are 1-1, highlighted by Saturday’s sizable loss to Tennessee.

Louisville Cardinals guard Chucky Hepburn (24) pressures the dribble of Tennessee Volunteers guard Jordan Gainey (11) during the second half at KFC Yum! Center in Louisville, Kentucky, on Nov. 9. Tennessee defeated Louisville 77-55. Jamie Rhodes-Imagn Images

Hepburn transferred to Louisville this offseason after three decorated years as Wisconsin’s starting point guard. He played in 103 games in his time with the Badgers, and averaged 32.1 minutes, 9.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, 3 assists and 1.6 steals on 42% shooting and 36% from 3.

While Wisconsin never achieved much postseason success during Hepburn’s tenure, he was arguably the face of the program during that time. His career was highlighted by guiding the 2021-22 team to a Big Ten regular season title as a freshman.

The performances of both Hepburn and AJ Storr (Kansas) are worth watching as the 2024-25 college basketball season unfolds. Wisconsin transfer addition John Tonje has made a strong first impression through two games. His continued emergence could lessen the impact of the Badgers losing those two stars after last season.

Hepburn and the Cardinals are back on the court on Nov. 19 against Bellarmine.

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How Badger transfers A.J. Storr and Chucky Hepburn performed in debuts with new programs

How Badger transfers A.J. Storr and Chucky Hepburn performed in debuts with new programs

Wisconsin basketball began its 2024-25 campaign with an 85-61 win over Holy Cross on Monday.

The primary story from the Badgers’ opener: Transfer wing John Tonje had a program-best debut with 23 points and five rebounds, including going 3 of 6 from 3-point range and 8 of 8 from the free-throw line.

Related: Biggest takeaways from Wisconsin basketball’s opening win over Holy Cross

Tonje’s Wisconsin debut is significant news for Greg Gard and his staff as they work to replace the production of stars A.J. Storr and Chucky Hepburn, who transferred to Kansas and Louisville, respectively, this offseason. That opening performance establishes a comparison point for Tonje that is sure to persist throughout the season — more so with Storr, who plays the same position.

Here is Tonje’s full stat line, and how it compares to how Storr and Hepburn began their respective careers at new programs:

  • Tonje (85-61 win over Holy Cross): 27 minutes, 23 points, five rebounds, one assist, one steal, 6 of 11 from the floor, 3 of 6 from three, 8 of 8 from the line
  • Storr (87-57 win over Howard): 15 minutes off the bench, five points, two rebounds, two assists, 2 of 5 from the floor, 1 of 1 from 3
  • Hepburn (93-45 win over Morehead State): 21 minutes, eight points, one rebound, four assists, 1 of 3 from the floor, 1 of 2 from 3, 5 of 5 from the line

Tonje boasted the best debut of the three on Monday night, although each played in a blowout nonconference win.

He also fared better than Wisconsin’s other transfer additions. Forward Xavier Amos (Northern Illinois) tallied two points, four rebounds and one assist in 11 minutes off the bench. Guard Camren Hunter (Central Arkansas) missed the game with an injury.

Gard and the Badgers had a tough task attempting to replace the top-end production of Hepburn, Storr and forward Tyler Wahl (graduation). Tonje already appears to be a viable replacement, enough that his production may best that of Storr on No. 1 Kansas.

Tonje, Amos and possibly Hunter will return to the court on Thursday when the Badgers host Montana State. Storr and No. 1 Kansas will battle No. 9 North Carolina on Friday. Hepburn and Louisville will host No. 12 Tennessee on Saturday.

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First look at former Wisconsin star Chucky Hepburn in Louisville uniform

First look at former Wisconsin star Chucky Hepburn in Louisville uniform

This story was updated to correct a misspelling/typo.

Former Wisconsin point guard Chucky Hepburn was pictured in Louisville’s team photo on Wednesday.

Hepburn is set to start at point guard for the Cardinals in 2024-25 after transferring from Wisconsin this offseason.

He elected to transfer after three seasons as Wisconsin’s starting point guard. He averaged 9,8 points, 2,8 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.6 steals in over 32 minutes per game during that span on 42% shooting from the field and 36% from three.

During his last season with the Badgers, Hepburn earned a 2024 All-Big Ten honorable mention distinction, a Big Ten All-Defensive team nod and a Big Ten All-Tournament team honor.

Here’s how Hepburn looks in Louisville Cardinals threads in the official team photo for the 2024-25 slate.

https://twitter.com/LouisvilleMBB/status/1846605720005071314

The star point guard wasn’t the only Badger to transfer following the 2023-24 season. Sharpshooter Connor Essegian made the move to Nebraska and star wing A.J. Storr elected to sign with the Kansas Jayhawks.

Hepburn’s shoes will likely be filled by a committee of point guards this season. Veteran point guard Kamari McGee, top 2024 recruit Daniel Freitag and Central Arkansas transfer Camren Hunter figure to lead the rotation.

The Badgers will open their season on Nov. 4 at the Kohl Center against Holy Cross.

ESPN: Wisconsin basketball ‘hurt by the transfer portal’ during 2024 offseason

ESPN: Wisconsin basketball ‘hurt by the transfer portal’ during 2024 offseason

The Wisconsin Badgers were one of the teams mentioned as ‘hurt by the transfer portal’ by ESPN’s Jeff Borzello in his recent breakdown of the winners and losers of the 2024 college basketball offseason.

Wisconsin was stuck in the ‘hurt’ category due to losing star point guard Chucky Hepburn, star guard A.J. Storr and sharpshooter Connor Essegian to the portal.

Related: Big Ten basketball teams ranked by returning production entering 2024-25 season

That fallout also saw Hepburn and Storr’s destinations (Louisville and Kansas respectively) each listed as big winners thanks to landing those star players.

In total, Wisconsin’s portal losses were Hepburn, Storr, Essegian and freshman forward Gus Yalden. The additions, then, were Central Arkansas guard Camren Hunter, Missouri guard John Tonje and Northern Illinois forward Xavier Amos — three players who all expect to play a significant role for the Badgers during the 2024-25 season.

The Badgers were by no means a winner during this offseason portal cycle. But the team expects to again be competitive with that incoming transfer class, plus returning contributors including Max Klesmit, Steven Crowl and John Blackwell, and incoming freshmen Daniel Freitag, Jack Robison and Andrija Vukovic.

But when comparing Wisconsin’s current situation to the potential alternative of Hepburn returning and the program landing top transfer guard Frankie Fidler, it’s hard to say the program wasn’t hurt by this portal cycle.

Here’s what Borzello said about the Badgers’ offseason:

The Badgers took gut punch after gut punch via the portal. Leading scorer AJ Storr entered and ended up at Kansas. Connor Essegian leaving was predictable, but happened. Same with Gus Yalden. And then point guard Chucky Hepburn’s loss was the devastating one. He started 103 games in three years with Gard.

I’d agree that this transfer cycle was a net negative. But the program’s future remains bright with the development of players like Blackwell and the potential stardom of incoming freshman Freitag.

Wisconsin should hold its own in 2024-25 with the returning production and incoming transfers. But things line up favorably for 2025-26 and beyond once the young talent reaches its stride.

First, the Badgers get set to open the 2024-25 season with challenging out of conference games against Arizona, Marquette and Butler before a gauntlet Big Ten slate. The biggest key to Wisconsin having a successful season is top-end contributions from all of its offseason additions.

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Frankie Fidler discusses transfer choice of Michigan State over Wisconsin

Frankie Fidler discusses choosing Michigan State over the Badgers

Wisconsin basketball’s offseason looked much different at the start of April when it was in strong pursuit of top-ranked transfer forward Frankie Fidler.

The plan: Land the Omaha transfer forward to re-create the wing production lost with the departure of A.J. Storr. A starting five of Chucky Hepburn, Max Klesmit, John Blackwell, Frankie Fidler and Steven Crowl would do well to bounce back from a disappointing finish to the 2023-24 season.

Related: Wisconsin basketball 2024-25 starting lineup, rotation and bench with Andrija Vukovic signing

Well, plans changed. Wisconsin point guard Chucky Hepburn entered the transfer portal on April 18, removing any chance the Badgers had at landing Fidler, his good friend and former high school teammate.

Fidler committed to Tom Izzo and Michigan State a few days later.

The top-ranked transfer recently joined “The Spiro Avenue Show” and discussed the timeline of his commitment and eventual transfer decision:

Here is the quote that Badgers fans would be interested in:

“One of my best friends, Chucky Hepburn, was at Wisconsin at the time, and I really wanted to play with him,” Fidler said. “So,  think that connection had me leaning toward Wisconsin. But after my visit (to Michigan State), it really blew me out of the water, and I really enjoyed my time here.”

Fidler had received transfer predictions to choose Wisconsin after that visit. The Badgers were the heavy favorite when Hepburn was still on the roster.

Related: Wisconsin basketball’s finalized 2024-25 roster with Serbian C Andrija Vukovic

We previously broke down the timeline of events with Fidler’s visit to Wisconsin, his delayed commitment announcement, Hepburn’s departure from Wisconsin and the Omaha transfer’s commitment to Michigan State.

Hepburn’s status remains the biggest variable in what became an unfortunate week for Greg Gard and the Badgers.

Contact/Follow @TheBadgersWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Wisconsin Badgers news, notes and opinion.

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