The BadgersWire scouting report series is moving forward to the 2021 Badger class, a class that is currently ranked number one in the country. No, that number one ranking will not last after most of the ESPN top 100 players commit, although there is still a reason Wisconsin holds the position. This series is a breakdown of each of the three 2021 Badger commits that make up the current top class in the country.
According to 247sports composite rankings, Chucky Hepburn is a four-star talent. On tape, there is no question as to why. The 6-1 point guard also recently became a Nebraska state champion. The Nebraska native’s Bellevue West squad defeated powerhouse Millard North in one of the last American basketball games played before a complete shutdown of sports. Bellevue West overcame a 14-point deficit inside the final four minutes to steal the trophy. Not only is Hepburn a state champion, but the Wisconsin commit was recently named Nebraska’s Gatorade Player of the Year as a junior.
Chucky Hepburn in one word: Hepburn is a crafty point guard. Despite being an athletic player, the four-star recruit does not need to beat you with his speed and jumping ability. Instead, he has a knack for knowing where his teammates will be, how to get to his spots, and how to move without the basketball.
Offense: Although Hepburn has had some inconsistent moments with his jump shot, the Nebraska native can knock it down either as a set shooter or off the dribble. He has the range to step a couple feet beyond the high school three point line. Hepburn has a slightly unorthodox release, and it will be interesting to see how his shooting translates to the college game.
One of the most impressive aspects of the point guard’s offensive game on tape was the ability to make difficult outlet passes look easy. Hepburn often started the break with a perfect 40-foot lob pass that quickly led to a layup. The 6-1 point guard also is excellent without the basketball, and knows how to cut and create space in order to put himself in positive situations offensively. He has the strength to finish through contact at the rim, and is certainly not somebody you should worry about being thrown off by the physicality of the college game. His change of pace ability is also impressive. Despite not wowing you with blazing speed, Hepburn beats defenders with footwork and the ability to catch an opposing player off balance. He has a tight handle and an already solid step-back move off the dribble. Hepburn also creates space with a nasty hesitation dribble.
If there is an area of improvement for Hepburn, it will likely come in the pick-and-roll. Most young point guards have a long way to go when it comes to reading a pick-and-roll, and we should expect to see the Nebraska point guard grow in that area as he matures on the floor.
Defense: The most impressive aspect of Hepburn’s defense was the quickness of his hands. Deflections and steals came naturally as a result of the Nebraska native’s hands. He also moved his feet extremely well and was unafraid to be physical as a defender. Hepburn can grind you defensively with his combination of foot speed, hand speed, and a clear willingness to put his body on the line in order to draw a charge. We know how much Badger nation appreciates charges, and once Hepburn gets consistent minutes, expect him to draw a lot of them in Madison.
Overall: Hepburn is going to be an excellent piece for Wisconsin in an already stacked class of 2021. A true two-way point guard, Hepburn is unafraid to play physical basketball. The crafty guard is somebody that should make Badger fans excited for the future.
