The Wisconsin Badgers played a complete game, as they closed out a Chicago State team at home. The starting point guard, and primary ball handler scare left many Wisconsin Badgers fearing the worst! Although others were able to pick up the slack, the immediate concern will be the extent of the injury, as the Wisconsin Badgers will look to Big Ten play in the new year.
Wisconsin Badgers Injury Concern
Midway through the second half, Chucky Hepburn had a clear path for a break away layup after a Chicago State turnover. What at first looked like an easy basket, turned into a collective gasping of breath, as Chucky Hepburn appeared initially to have slipped on the court. On the replay you could see that he pulled up after a sudden reach to his leg.
Taking some time before needing some help to get up, it looked like it was either a groin area, or upper leg injury. Severely limping, even while needing the support of two other people, it was clear that his night would be done. Still in uniform, he came back to the bench, and predictably sat out the rest of the game. He was shortly ruled out later with a lower body injury, though more details were not given at the time.
With a comfortable lead, and having a small layoff before needing to worry about the next game, Coach Greg Gard likely did not want to risk Chucky Hepburn aggravating his injury even further. Considering that he returned to the bench still in uniform, it looks as though the worst of possibilities were thankfully avoided.
Wisconsin Badgers Career High
While Chucky Hepburn was dealing with an injury that he will hopefully be able to recover from quickly, another one of his Wisconsin Badgers teammates Aj Storr had a career best night. AJ Storr recorded a game high 29 points. Going three for five from beyond the three point line, hopefully AJ Storr is able to keep up his shooting percentage up from there for a Wisconsin Badgers team that has struggled from long distance.
Also contributing off of the bench, to make up for the lost production from losing Chucky Hepburn were two other members of the Wisconsin Badgers. Carter Gilmore chipped in seven points off of the bench in ten minutes of action. Additionally, Connor Essegian was able to contribute five points in 18 minutes of playing action. Depending on how Chucky Hepburn is able to play through a potential longer term injury, these two will need to continue to grow their role for this team.
Wisconsin Badgers Tribute
During warm ups the Wisconsin Badgers team wore shirts commemorating recently deceased Walt McGory. After a months long battle with bone cancer, the former Badger was honored by his past team, with the shirt saying, “A Broken Spirit doesn’t sand a chance”- Walt Strong.
In a released statement by Coach Greg Gard he expressed the following:
Our hearts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Walt McGory. The courage and fight Walt demonstrated throughout his two-year battle with cancer was an aspiration to us all.
