The Wisconsin men's basketball team is losing its leader, the second starter to transfer

MADISON – Greg Gard and his staff are losing their team’s leader, point guard Chucky Hepburn.

Hepburn, who has started all 103 games he has played at Wisconsin, has informed the UW staff he plans to enter the transfer portal.

Hepburn posted a statement on his Instagram page and Gard responded to a message with a text.

"As I take this moment to reflect on my journey with the University of Wisconsin basketball program," Hepburn wrote, "I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the experiences and relationships that have shaped me during my time here.

"First and foremost, I want to express my sincerest appreciation to the coaching staff. Your guidance, mentorship and belief in my abilities have been instrumental to my growth both as a player and a person....

"To my teammates, you have become more than just teammates. You have become my brothers. The bonds we've formed both on and off the court are irreplaceable, and I'm grateful for the countless memories we've shared together...

"To the University of Wisconsin community, thank you for welcoming me with open arms and making Madison feel like home. ... I am honored to have represented the Badgers throughout my college career....

"I also want to extend my deepest gratitude to my family. Your unwavering love, support and sacrifices have been the driving force behind my journey, and I am forever indebted to you for believing in me every step of the way....

"As I embark on this new chapter and enter the transfer portal, please know that my decision is not a reflection of anything lacking at Wisconsin. Rather, it is an opportunity for me to explore new possibilities and continue my journey in pursuit of my dreams...."

Gard wrote:

"We have a lot of love for Chucky. He's been a big part of our program. In today's college basketball, players are making transactional decisions all over the country at every level. There is no time to complain about the system in place.

"We're dedicating all our energy right now into finding the next fits for our program. In fact, minutes after talking to Chucky about this I was already pursuing another talented point guard who is in the portal. This is the reality of college basketball today."

Since the opening of the transfer portal, the UW men's basketball program largely has been fortunate to avoid losing critical players. But Hepburn will be the second starter to leave the team this offseason.

He joins guard A.J. Storr, who reportedly is transferring to Kansas.

Hepburn’s decision creates another void as the UW staff is trying to assemble the roster for the 2024-2025 season.

Hepburn averaged 7.9 points and 2.3 assists per game as a freshman to help UW secure a share of the Big Ten regular-season title and a No. 3 seeding in the NCAA Tournament.

He averaged 12.2 points and 2.8 assists per game as a sophomore and this past season averaged 9.2 points and 3.9 assists to help UW secure a No. 5 seeding in the NCAA Tournament.

UW has signed two players for next season, guard Daniel Freitag and wing Jack Robison.

Freitag can play either guard spot and was expected to back up Hepburn or play alongside him next season.

Of the players on the current roster, Max Klesmit and Kamari McGee have played point guard.

UW also has a commitment from De Pere guard Zach Kinziger for the 2025 class.

Before Thursday, Hepburn hadn't commented publicly since immediately after UW’s loss to James Madison in the first round of the NCAA Tournament on March 22.

"Thank you, Wisconsin, for everything you have given me," Hepburn wrote. "I will carry the lessons and memories from my time here wherever I go and I will always be proud to have been a Badger."

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Wisconsin guard Chucky Hepburn to enter transfer portal, leave Badgers