Former Badger Chucky Hepburn lands NBA contract after going undrafted

Chucky Hepburn signed a two-way contract with the Toronto Raptors.
Mar 16, 2024; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Wisconsin Badgers guard Chucky Hepburn (23) looks on during the second half against the Purdue Boilermakers at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
Mar 16, 2024; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Wisconsin Badgers guard Chucky Hepburn (23) looks on during the second half against the Purdue Boilermakers at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images | Matt Krohn-Imagn Images

The draft ended, and Wisconsin had only one player selected in the 60 picks. The Utah Jazz chose John Tonje with pick 53. Tonje will join former Badger Micah Potter with the Jazz. The other Wisconsin NBA Draft news is that former Badger Chucky Hepburn went undrafted out of Louisville but was able to sign as an undrafted player with the Toronto Raptors on a two-way contract.

Chucky Hepburn gets another chance to prove his NBA worth with the Raptors

Chucky Hepburn played for the Wisconsin Badgers for three seasons before finishing off his college career with the Louisville Cardinals. There are still some Wisconsin fans who don't quite understand why he did that, and even some who think it may have cost him his draft stock. However, you could argue that it gave rise to John Blackwell and even John Tonje, in a way.

He also had his best year statistically as a Cardinal averaging 16.4 points, 5.8 assists, and 3.5 rebounds a game, which was a good jump from his final year at Wisconsin. While it would have been amazing to have him at Wisconsin for his final year, he did take a step forward in his career. However, it didn't lead him to an NBA draft spot even though he was the ACC player of the year and helped lead the Cardinals to a 27-8 season record.

Instead, the Toronto Raptors came calling and signed him to a two-way contract, which means he will be assigned to the G League affiliate, but the Raptors will have the option to bring him up to the NBA roster when needed.