Chucky Hepburn transfer: Predicting potential reasons behind Wisconsin guard's transfer decision

Point guard Chucky Hepburn has entered the transfer portal after three seasons with the Wisconsin Badgers. Hepburn announced his decision on Instagram and thanked the school for his development as a player during his stay in the program.

The Omaha, Nebraska native averaged 9.8 points, 3.0 assists, 2.8 rebounds and 1.6 steals in 103 games for Wisconsin. He was the second Badgers' starter to splash into the portal after AJ Storr, who eventually committed to Kansas.

After an explosive sophomore season where he averaged double figures in scoring, Hepburn played more of a facilitator during his third year as Storr, Steven Crowl, Tyler Wahl and Max Klesmit handled the scoring duties for Greg Gard's squad.

Hepburn averaged 9.2 ppg in his third season, lower than the 12.2 ppg he had in his second year. However, he averaged a career-high in rebounds (3.3), assists (3.9) and steals (2.1) in the 2023-24 season and helped the Badgers make the Big Ten Tournament final and qualify for the NCAA Tournament.

Here, let's take a look at the possible reasons for Hepburn's departure from Wisconsin.

What are some explanations for Chucky Hepburn leaving Wisconsin?

Chucky Hepburn handles the ball despite two James Madison players guarding him.

#1. A change of scenery

Chucky Hepburn became the seventh Wisconsin player to announce his transfer decision weeks after the NCAA Tournament. Last season was supposed to be Hepburn's ascension as the team's top option, but Storr took the opportunity to relegate him to a playmaker.

Hepburn's Wisconsin exit could primarily mean one thing: he wants a change of scenery. Remember, he is the fifth-leading scorer for the Badgers this year. The six-foot-two guard showed his ability to score with back-to-back 20-point games against Maryland and Purdue in the Big Ten quarterfinals and semifinals, respectively.

A change of atmosphere with another team could bring his confidence back and help the squad make it to the 2024-25 NCAA Tournament.

#2. Chucky Hepburn's role with the Badgers set to diminish due to younger talent

Wisconsin will have point guard Daniel Freitag taking over the playmaking duties following Hepburn's sudden decision. Hepburn played for 33.3 minutes per game in the just concluded season and sharing the playmaking chores with Freitag will bring down his stats further.

Aside from this, Wisconsin players Kamari McGee, Klesmit and John Blackwell can take turns handling the ball. The newly revamped Badgers playmaking crew can orchestrate great plays each game. Due to this, Hepburn felt that he would not be used as a major contributor and possibly go off the bench in the upcoming season.

#3. Preparing for the NBA

Hepburn is an incoming senior if a school picks him up from the transfer portal. A new team will help Hepburn maximize his playmaking skills as he nears the next step for every basketball player in the nation — to go to the NBA.

College basketball fans have seen the 6-foot-2 guard easily facilitate Wisconsin's plays. There is a possibility that he sensed a revamp in the players' rotation once the incoming transfers and freshmen acquisitions come to Wisconsin and prepare for the next tournament.

Hepburn is one of those intriguing prospects remaining in the transfer portal. He is expected to work hard for the minutes as he hopes to rebound from a disappointing season last year.

Will Chucky Hepburn commit to a stronger team next season? Let us know in the comments section below.