"Exciting news for Louisville" "Mid has committed to mid": Fans are divided over Chucky Hepburn's NCAA transfer portal decision
Chucky Hepburn, who played for the Wisconsin Badgers for three consecutive seasons, has committed to Louisville after entering the transfer portal from the Badgers. The 6-foot-2 point guard announced his decision through Instagram on Thursday.
Hepburn was a standout player for Wisconsin over the three seasons. He averaged 9.2 points, 3.3 rebounds and 3.9 assists per game in the 2023-24 season. Overall, he played 103 matches for Wisconsin, averaging 9.8 ppg, 2.8 rpg and 3.0 apg.
Due to his amazing defensive skills, he was named to the Big Ten All-Defensive Team in 2022 and 2024. Hailing from Omaha, Nebraska, he was named Nebraska Gatorade Player of the Year in 2020.
After his announcement was reported on X by Shams Charania, an NBA Insider, fans around the globe had a mixed bag of reactions to the player's transfer,
"Exciting news for Louisville! Chucky Hepburn's commitment brings a talented player to the team, adding depth and skill to their roster. Looking forward to seeing his contributions on the court for the Cardinals!" said one fan.
"Louisville just scored big time, Hepburn's a solid player and it'll be interesting to see how he fits into their system," said another fan.
A fan commented about how Nebraska fans booed him once.
"Nebraska fans should've never booed him," stated one fan.
Some fans talked about Louisville and called him "mid."
"Mid has committed to mid," one fan wrote.
"How much money did Louisville booster pay that man to come to that program. Going from Wisconsin to Louisville is a complete downgrade, nothing good as happen to Louisville basketball program since 2012-13," another fan stated.
On the other hand, one fan applauded Hepburn's smart decision to choose Louisville.
"Smart decision young man," a fan said.
Wisconsin HC Greg Gard's views on Chucky Hepburn
Greg Gard, Wisconsin's head coach, had high praise for Chucky Hepburn after a win over Western Illinois in November last year.
"He has the ability to take a game over and to make plays, Gard said. "That's the luxury of having a mature point guard."
Hepburn could've been a key player for Wisconsin in the upcoming season. However, the money offered by Louisville might have been the differentiating factor for him when deciding between the two programs.