The Wisconsin Badgers blew a massive lead against the Nebraska Cornhuskers on Saturday night. At one point, Wisconsin led by 17, but poor shooting and shotty defense allowed Nebraska to tie the game by the end of regulation. Sophomore guard Chucky Hepburn had a chance to win the game at the end of regulation, but settled for an ill-advised long three-pointer that rimmed out. The entire team seemed deflated by Hepburn’s decision, aside from coach Greg Gard who was absolutely livid. Wisconsin lost by ten after being outscored 12-2 in overtime.
Wisconsin Badgers Guard Chucky Hepburn Had a Rough Game
Despite leading the team with 19 points, Hepburn had a poor night from the floor. He shot just 8-21 overall and was a woeful 3-12 from three.
He wasn’t alone in his poor shooting performance. Freshman starter Connor Essegian had 13 points on 5-14 shooting, which included 3-10 from three.
Wisconsin Badgers Fans Let Loose on Chucky Hepburn
As one might expect, the passionate Wisconsin Badgers fanbase was not shy about their disappointment in the student athlete:
“Two months ago to the date I said this lamenting the last time Wisconsin lost to Nebraska. Then, the #Badgers had an outright B1G title on the line. Today, an at-large berth in the NCAA Tournament. In both cases, Chucky Hepburn made questionable decisions in the final moments.”
Two months ago to the date I said this lamenting the last time Wisconsin lost to Nebraska. Then, the #Badgers had an outright B1G title on the line. Today, an at-large berth in the NCAA Tournament. In both cases, Chucky Hepburn made questionable decisions in the final moments. https://t.co/AuvzZnh26D
— Kedrick Stumbris (@KedrickStumbris) February 11, 2023
“Chucky Hepburn hero ball…who would’ve thought”
Chucky Hepburn hero ball…who would’ve thought
— Jake Pluemer (@Pluemer23) February 11, 2023
“The Wisconsin bench says it all on Chucky Hepburn’s final shot in regulation. No way that was the final play on the huddle.”
The Wisconsin bench says it all on Chucky Hepburn’s final shot in regulation. No way that was the final play on the huddle
— Dylan Buboltz (@DylanBuboltz) February 11, 2023
“This is ridiculous. Greg Gard has to do something about Chucky Hepburn at the end of games. Take him off the court.”
This is ridiculous. Greg Gard has to do something about Chucky Hepburn at the end of games. Take him off the court. #Badgers
— Umbra Witcher (@Umbra_Witcher) February 11, 2023
Is the Criticism Fair?
There is no doubt that Hepburn went rogue on the final play of regulation. While some want to criticize Coach Gard for “not controlling” his player, there comes a time where a player needs to take responsibility for his own decisions. While Gard could, as one fan says above, remove Hepburn from the floor in late-game clutch situations, he cannot go onto the court himself and force Hepburn to do (or not do) anything.
The 2022-23 basketball season has truly been a disappointment, especially after the Badgers got off to such a hot start. However, it should be noted that this is a young team that is missing an entire recruiting class. Today’s culture is very much “what have you done for me lately,” and sometimes that is a good thing. Other times, though, it neglects important facts. In this case, let us not forget Coach Gard and the Badgers have won the Big Ten in two of the past three seasons.
While this season has not gone as fans have hoped it would, there is no reason to believe that it will not rebound in 2023-24.
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