Wisconsin basketball is still awaiting its first incoming transfer this offseason. Despite the lack of additions, the transfer portal news has been busy in the opposite direction for the Wisconsin Badgers. Three former UW starters decided to transfer. Two of those former Greg Gard recruits have already found their next destinations. The third might be nearing a decision soon.
Wisconsin Basketball Transfer Chucky Hepburn Takes Official Visit
The biggest surprise this offseason for the Badgers has been Chucky Hepburn’s entry into the transfer portal. The Nebraska native appeared in 103 games—all of them starts—during his time in Madison. Over three seasons, Hepburn missed only one game due to injury. In an era of uncertainty in college athletics, Hepburn was a symbol of stability for Wisconsin.
According to ESPN’s Jeff Borzello, Hepburn arrived in Louisville on Wednesday night for an official visit with the Cardinals. The Big Ten All-Defensive Team selection is making his first visit to another school one week after entering the portal.
Chucky Hepburn Could Be a Piece in Lousiville Cardinals Rebuild
Mar 7, 2024; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Wisconsin Badgers guard Chucky Hepburn (23) dribbles the ball after stealing the ball from the Rutgers Scarlet Knights during the second half at the Kohl Center. Mandatory Credit: Kayla Wolf-USA TODAY Sports
Louisville is undergoing a significant roster rebuild. In the previous two seasons under former head coach Kenny Payne, the Cardinals achieved a combined record of 12-52. The program, which has won three national championships and appeared in 10 Final Fours, pulled the plug after two painful seasons and hired former College of Charleston coach Pat Kelsey.
Every scholarship player from last year’s Cardinal squad has since entered the transfer portal. Kelsey has not yet added a point guard to his incoming recruiting class. After coming from Wisconsin basketball, playing under Kelsey would be a big change of pace for Hepburn. Since 2016, Kelsey-led teams have finished no lower than 51st in adjusted tempo, according to Kenpom. In that span, his teams at Charleston and Winthrop finished in the top 20 in adjusted tempo four times.
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