Why Wisconsin Basketball Point Guard Chucky Hepburn ‘Is a Coach’s Dream’

Chucky Hepburn has transitioned into a role as more of a “true point guard” for the Badgers during his junior season, and it’s been the key to unlocking the Wisconsin basketball program’s offensive attack. 

After leading the Wisconsin Badgers in scoring a year ago with 12.2 points per game, Hepburn transformed his body in the offseason to stick with quicker guards on defense and push the pace offensively. 

“I’m always looking for different ways to improve my game,” Hepburn told reporters. “Last year, it was scoring. This year, it was being more of a leader, controlling the game, and being a lockdown defender…Just doing whatever it takes to win the games.”

To say those changes have made an impact would be an understatement. 

The No. 13 ranked Wisconsin basketball program (16-4, 8-1), which sits atop the Big Ten standings, currently ranks No. 4 nationally in adjusted offensive efficiency, according to KenPom. For reference, Greg Gard and the Badgers finished at No. 140 a season ago. 

Wisconsin Basketball Offense Rolling Because of Chucky Hepburn 

Jan 23, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Wisconsin Badgers guard Chucky Hepburn (23) looks on during the first half against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Williams Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports

Reducing Chucky Hepburn’s offensive burden has allowed the Nebraska native to control the game’s pace better and lean into his playmaking abilities. His selflessness with the ball in his hands has helped improve the offensive cohesion and the shot quality of everyone around him. 

“He [Hepburn] is a coach’s dream,” Tom Izzo said. “He runs the team. He checks the best player. He is never, ever out of control…It seems like he runs the thing until the right guys get the shot.”

From where I’m sitting, it’s hard to argue with the future Hall-of-Fame head coaches’ assessment of Hepburn.  

Through 20 games, the Wisconsin basketball team is averaging 76 points a game. That’s the highest scoring average the Badgers have had since Michael Finely donned the Cardinal and White back in 1993-94. 

UW has scored 70+ points in 16 games thus far, including 13 of their last 14 overall. Last season, they achieved that benchmark 11 times in total. 

That has happened with Hepburn assuming his more natural role as a floor general—which is what Greg Gard envisioned when he recruited him to play for the Wisconsin basketball program. 

Hepburn’s usage percentage has dipped from 23.9% a year ago to 16.4%, which is sixth on the team. But he’s averaging a career-high 3.9 assists per game and sports the third-best assist-to-turnover ratio in the Big Ten (3:1). Not to mention, he’s averaging a career-high assist rate (20.7%). 

AJ Storr elevates with such ease. 🚀

Here’s the latest proof.@storr_aj x @BadgerMBB pic.twitter.com/2WSAasIkLH

— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) January 17, 2024

“He [Hepburn] reminds me of my kid Mateen Cleaves,” Izzo said after the loss to Wisconsin. “He scored 16 as a sophomore and 10 as a senior, and we won the national title. Sometimes, less is better.”

The 6-foot-2 guard has been a linchpin for the Wisconsin Badgers all season long, and because of his unselfish style of play, the team has been able to focus on the only thing that matters: winning. 

Final Thoughts

Too often, I hear amongst the Wisconsin basketball fanbase that Chucky Hepburn is having a down year because he’s not scoring as much.

I couldn’t disagree more. This is the best Hepburn has played in his three seasons…by a mile. 

His feel for the game, the intensity Hepburn brings on defense, and how he creates for his teammates on offense have all reached another level in 2023-24. Checking the box score stats alone will never illustrate how important Hepburn is to this program on a game-to-game basis—he’s invaluable.

Have to keep your eye on @ChuckyHepburn at all times https://t.co/HTHBYRxZ1T

— Wisconsin Basketball (@BadgerMBB) January 27, 2024

“He’s the consummate team player, and he’s a winner,” said Gard of Hepburn after the win over Michigan State. “The scoring is down, but the winning is up. That’s a good trade-off.”

Wisconsin basketball has positioned itself to compete for a Big Ten title, and Chucky Hepburn’s play is a big reason why. 

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