Chucky Hepburn, Louisville, Dominating at Battle 4 Atlantis

Louisville, making its third appearance in the Battle 4 Atlantis, is seeking its first championship at the tournament hosted at Atlantis Paradise Island. On Friday, the Cardinals will get their chance at the hardware after Hepburn, with a pair of standout performances, helped his team advance to the title game. 

Hepburn turned in a ruthlessly efficient performance to defeat Indiana 89-61 in the opening round of the tournament. The Omaha, Nebraska native recorded career-highs in steals (seven) and assists (ten) while adding 16 points on 7-10 shooting. 

The only thing the six-foot-two-inch backcourt presence did not do was get to the free-throw line. That would be corrected the next day against West Virginia. 

In the semifinal against the Mountaineers, Hepburn recorded another six steals and a career-high 32 points. In the 79-70 overtime victory, the senior shot 17 free throws, making 14.  

Former Wisconsin Basketball Guard Having Standout Season After Transferring

Hepburn's two-game run on Paradise Island has contributed to his tremendous early-season success. According to Kenpom, he is in the midst of his best season in terms of offensive rating, assist rate, and free-throw rate. 

Most astonishing, the Bellevue West High School product has made 20 of his 27 attempts from inside the arc - a blistering 74.1% on twos. 

By recording four or more steals in four of Louisville's six games, Hepburn has also bolstered his defensive numbers. The two-time All-Big Ten Honorable Mention currently leads the country in steal percentage, more than doubling up his previous best season as a junior.

After Hepburn and Wisconsin basketball finished third at Battle 4 Atlantis in 2022, perhaps his early-season success will propel his new team to a championship in 2024.