Wisconsin Basketball: 5 Reasons Why Chucky Hepburn Is Primed for a Big Year

Chucky Hepburn didn’t take the leap forward many expected during the 2022-2023 season for Wisconsin Badgers men’s basketball.

Many fans, myself included, were enticed into thinking the 6-foot-2 point guard would flash his scoring prowess early and often. But instead of scoring in bunches and hiding the lack of depth around him, Hepburn was keyed in on by defenses.

By no means was his sophomore campaign a let down though. But rather, it was a year of growth that should pay dividends during this season.

Here are five reasons why Chucky Hepburn will shine for Wisconsin Basketball in 2023.

Wisconsin Basketball Has Added Scoring and Depth

Returning players Tyler Wahl, Steven Crowl, Max Klesmit, Connor Essegian, have another year of experience under their belts. Meanwhile, newcomers in St. John’s transfer AJ Storr, and freshmen Gus Yalden, Nolan Winter, and John Blackwell bring in a ton of athleticism, scoring, and needed depth.

It was at this time last year many of us were thinking Hepburn would be leading Wisconsin basketball, potentially scoring 15 to 20 points per game. And while I have no doubt Hepburn could be an elite scorer, he will not need to be in 2023.

Hepburn can now focus on being a true point guard and floor general. He can key in on controlling the pace, setting up his teammates, and running the Wisconsin basketball offense to a tee. This doesn’t mean Hepburn won’t have his big games, and opportunities to take big shots at the end of games. But instead it takes weight off his shoulders and allows him to play within the system, instead of isolation ball.

Additional Control Of The Wisconsin Basketball Offense

As I eluded to earlier, Hepburn will no longer need to play isolation basketball for long periods of time. The junior has now had two years to learn and become a master of the UW offensive and defensive schemes.

Hepburn will get his shots, but he can still play within the scheme. In the pick and roll, drive and kick, swinging the ball around to a plethora of shooters, and playing inside out ball with Steven Crowl and Tyler Wahl. Options are a plenty for the 6’2″ guard.

If we see Hepburn’s assist, rebound and steal numbers jump this year, don’t be surprised.

Quicker Style of Play

It’s no surprise seeing the types of athletes Greg Gard has opted to bring in over the past year or two — he wants to speed things up.

This means with Hepburn having the keys to the offense, he can push the ball when he wants, or move slow and methodically as needed. Wisconsin basketball scored 105 points in their season opener, which tells me the scoring is there if they want to run more.

Don’t tell me you aren’t excited to see Hepburn run the floor on a fast break only to find a trailing Essegian for a three. Then three possessions later find Tyler Wahl for a transition lop dunk. The options are endless.

Less Pressure

This one speaks for itself. Hepburn no longer carries the weight of the Wisconsin Badgers basketball program solely on his shoulders.

Expect Storr, Wahl, and maybe even Crowl to average double digits in scoring. Essegian as a sixth man is a heck of a weapon as well. It feels weird saying this, but if Hepburn has a night with 10 points and 8 assists, I wouldn’t be shocked to see UW come out on top.

Wisconsin Badgers Basketball Guard Chucky Hepburn is in Better Shape

Just before the regular season kicked off, Gard said Hepburn dropped 15 pounds during the offseason. Not only will this help with his agility and ability to get to the hoop, but his stamina as well especially when playing longer minutes.

Hepburn has always been a strong point guard and had the ability to bully smaller defenders down low. However, at his point guard position — I’ll take speed and agility over strength any day.

But the offseason changes have went beyond just the body improvements. Recently, teammates were quoted saying the junior point guard is hungrier than ever coming into the season. Watch out Big 10.

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