Wisconsin Basketball Point Guard Drops Bombshell, Enters the Portal

The starting point guard for the Wisconsin basketball program is moving on from the Badgers after three seasons in Madison.

Chucky Hepburn, who came to the Badgers in the 2021 recruiting class, intends to enter the transfer portal and will seek a new home to finish out his final season of college eligibility.

“As I take this moment to reflect on my journey with the University of Wisconsin basketball program, I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the experiences and relationships that have shaped me during my time here,” Hepburn wrote. First and foremost, I want to express my sincerest appreciation to the coaching staff. Your guidance, mentorship, and belief in my abilities have been instrumental to my growth.”

“As I embark on this new chapter and enter the transfer portal, please know that my decision is not a reflection of anything lacking at Wisconsin. Rather it is an opportunity for me to explore new possibilities and continue my journey in pursuit of my dreams. … I will always be proud to have been a Badger.”

Hepburn has been a cornerstone for the Wisconsin basketball team, appearing in 103 games for the Badgers and holding down the starting spot in every single one since his arrival.

For his career, the Nebraska native averaged 9.8 points, 3.0 assists, and 2.3 rebounds per game while logging 32 minutes a contest. Perhaps more importantly, Hepburn maintained an impressive 2.3 to 1 assist-to-turnover ratio.

The 6-foot-2, 195-pound floor general was integral to the Wisconsin basketball team’s offensive turnaround in 2023-24. According to KenPom, the Badgers finished No. 17 in adjusted offensive efficiency, up 123 spots from the season prior. Hepburn’s command of the offense and willingness to create for others was a key factor.

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

During his junior season, Hepburn averaged 9.2 points, 3.9 assists, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.1 steals per game en route to honorable mention all-conference and all-defensive team honors from the Big Ten.

“He 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.”

Hepburn, a former four-star recruit out of Bellevue West High School, came in with a class that featured Markus Ilver, Matthew Mors, and Chris Hodges. He committed to the Wisconsin basketball team under head coach Greg Gard over offers from Creighton, Nebraska, and Minnesota.

There were high expectations for Hepburn to take the next step for the Wisconsin basketball team during his senior season as the straw that stirred the drink for the Badgers offense — while also being a defensive stopper. However, both sides will instead go in another direction.

Hepburn is now the fourth scholarship Wisconsin basketball player to enter the transfer portal this offseason, along with A.J. Storr, Connor Essegian, and Gus Yalden.

Thank you for taking time out of your busy day to read our work at BadgerNotes.com. For more Wisconsin Badgers Athletics and Big Ten content, follow us on Twitter & Facebook. You can also subscribe to our YouTube Channel. For feedback, questions, or to apply for a writing position, please email @DillonGraff at Dillon.T.Graff@gmail.com. 

Also, be sure to check out our shop, subscribe to our newsletter, and the BadgerNotes After Dark podcast, which is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all other streaming platforms. Because of your support, we have become one of the fastest-growing independent media outlets focused on giving a voice to the fans!