Freshman point guard Chucky Hepburn has been doing all of the little things right this season. Wisconsin is battling with Illinois and Purdue for the top spot in the Big Ten with a 19-4 overall record and a 10-3 conference record. Hepburn is averaging 7.6 points, 2.0 assists, 2.1 rebounds, and 1.2 steals per game. Those are pretty average stats if you’re looking at the box score. But what he’s doing outside of the box score is incredible.
Chucky’s Defense:
From the start of the season, Chucky Hepburn has made his presence known on defense. His point of attack defense on nearly every half court possession is noticed. And, he challenges every point guard he lines up against. For instance, Exhibit A:
And speaking of defense…Watch #Badgers freshman Chucky Hepburn, who had just been called for a charge. This sequence leads to the Davis block on Devoe. pic.twitter.com/mToPGX8RDo
— Jeff Potrykus (@jaypo1961) December 2, 2021
Additionally, here’s Exhibit B against #3 ranked Purdue:
Chucky Hepburn is a menace on defense. #Badgers pic.twitter.com/OhfwdxksdG
— Badger Notes (@Badger_Notes) January 4, 2022
Chucky Hepburn’s half court defense has been on full display all season long. His basketball IQ even when he isn’t guarding the ball carrier has been prominent as well. This play against Michigan State late in the game with Wisconsin up by three points was massive:
I have raved about the defensive work of #Badgers Chucky Hepburn. Watch this sequence as he realizes he can come off his man and clog the driving lane to stymie Hall. He moves his feet and does not reach with his hands. High hoops IQ. pic.twitter.com/IqXM9yd9aD
— Jeff Potrykus (@jaypo1961) February 9, 2022
And in case you needed a reminder, he’s only a freshman…
So much Davion Mitchell in Chucky Hepburn pic.twitter.com/bH9VmNep7d
— Asher Low (@alow_33) December 7, 2021
In Conclusion:
I could find endless examples of spectators ranting and raving about Chucky’s defense. But here’s just a few:
Tip your caps to #Badgers Chucky Hepburn. Played such a smooth game. Huge shots. Tough defense.
— Jeff Potrykus (@jaypo1961) February 9, 2022
Holy cow Chucky Hepburn's on ball defense is special. Guy is a pest. #Badgers
— Raul Vazquez (@RaulV45) January 4, 2022
This is a Chucky Hepburn defense stan account
— Wisconsin Basketball (@BadgerMBB) December 4, 2021
At the end of the day, Hepburn is making an undeniable impact on both sides of the ball. His basketball IQ far surpasses that of what you would expect of a freshman. Oh, and he’s all about the future generation as well:
Huge shoutout to @ChuckyHepburn for coming in at the end of our Little Badgers practice and surprising the kids! Made their day!! pic.twitter.com/Ww5Fr7XHRr
— #8 Wisconsin Basketball Managers (@BadgerMBBMGRS) February 7, 2022
How can you not root for this kid?
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