Former Wisconsin stars AJ Storr and Chucky Hepburn are out of the NCAA Tournament, leaving a significant void for the Badgers.

As the 2024 NCAA Tournament approaches its exciting conclusion, a significant setback for the Wisconsin Badgers has cast a shadow over their chances. Two of the team’s most impactful players, AJ Storr and Chucky Hepburn, are officially out of the tournament due to injuries and other unforeseen circumstances. Their absences are a blow not only to the Badgers’ tournament hopes but also to the team’s identity and overall depth.

Both Storr and Hepburn were central figures for Wisconsin throughout the season, contributing in key ways to the team’s success. Their departure from the tournament leaves a void that will be difficult to fill, and as the Badgers’ roster shifts, the team will need to rely on the remaining players to step up and provide leadership in this crucial moment.

The Impact of AJ Storr’s Absence

AJ Storr, a dynamic wing player, was expected to play a pivotal role in Wisconsin’s run to the NCAA Tournament. The sophomore transfer from St. John’s made an immediate impact for the Badgers, earning a reputation as a versatile scorer with the ability to light up the scoreboard. His blend of size, athleticism, and scoring touch allowed him to stretch the floor and provide scoring in a variety of ways. He was crucial to the Badgers’ offensive attack, capable of hitting both mid-range jumpers and beyond-the-arc three-pointers.

Storr’s ability to score off the dribble and create his own shot made him a major matchup problem for opposing defenses. Whether driving to the rim or using his quickness to catch defenders off guard, Storr was an offensive force for Wisconsin. He provided a level of unpredictability that kept defenses on edge and helped open up opportunities for his teammates.

However, just ahead of the NCAA Tournament, Storr suffered a significant injury. The details of the injury have remained somewhat unclear, but reports indicated that it was related to his knee, which had been bothering him for some time. The Badgers’ medical staff determined that it would be best for Storr to sit out for the remainder of the tournament in order to avoid exacerbating the injury and to give him the necessary time to recover.

The loss of Storr is a considerable blow to Wisconsin’s offensive strategy. Without him, the Badgers lose a reliable scorer who could be counted on to take over games and hit clutch shots. His ability to create his own offense, as well as his versatility, will be sorely missed. With Storr out of the mix, Wisconsin must now adjust its offensive system, which had been built around his dynamic scoring ability.

The Loss of Chucky Hepburn: A Leadership Void

While Storr’s absence is a major concern for Wisconsin’s offense, the absence of Chucky Hepburn represents an even more significant loss on the defensive and leadership fronts. Hepburn, a junior point guard, had emerged as one of the team’s leaders and was widely regarded as one of the most reliable and tenacious defenders in the Big Ten Conference.

Hepburn’s leadership and presence on both ends of the floor had been vital to Wisconsin’s success. As a floor general, he had the ability to orchestrate the offense, set up his teammates, and control the tempo of the game. His vision and basketball IQ allowed him to make pinpoint passes and set up the Badgers for easy scoring opportunities. He was especially effective in transition, often pushing the ball up the court to create fast-break chances or setting up quick hitters for his teammates.

Defensively, Hepburn was a standout. His ability to guard multiple positions, disrupt passing lanes, and fight through screens made him a nightmare for opposing players. His tenacity and willingness to take on the toughest defensive assignments helped elevate Wisconsin’s overall defensive play, which had been one of the team’s strengths all season long.

Hepburn’s injury, a sprained ankle that occurred during a crucial late-season game, has sidelined him for the NCAA Tournament. While the injury was initially thought to be minor, it became clear that Hepburn would need more time to recover before returning to the court. With Wisconsin’s season on the line, his absence leaves the team without its most experienced ball handler and a key defensive presence.

The void left by Hepburn extends beyond just his ability to defend and run the offense. His leadership on the court, which had been vital in keeping the team composed in high-pressure moments, will be greatly missed. Hepburn was a calming influence, a player who could make the right decision in clutch moments and keep his teammates focused. His absence puts a lot of pressure on Wisconsin’s younger players, particularly those who are stepping into roles they may not have been fully prepared for.

The Challenge of Replacing Two Key Players

Replacing the combined contributions of AJ Storr and Chucky Hepburn is no easy task. Together, they represented much of what Wisconsin had done well during the season—Storr as a dynamic scorer and Hepburn as a lockdown defender and leader. Without them, Wisconsin’s roster is left in a state of flux, with the remaining players having to step up and fill the roles left behind.

While the Badgers still have several talented players on the roster, including forwards Tyler Wahl and Steven Crowl, and guards like Kamari McGee, the loss of Storr and Hepburn undeniably weakens the team. Wisconsin’s offense now lacks the same level of explosiveness that Storr provided, and the defense loses a key disruptor in Hepburn. This puts extra pressure on the rest of the team to elevate their games in the absence of these two stars.

In terms of offense, Wisconsin will need more from its big men, Wahl and Crowl. Wahl, a senior forward, is one of the most experienced players on the team and has been a consistent scorer and rebounder for the Badgers all season long. He will now be expected to take on a larger role in terms of scoring, and his ability to stretch the floor and create opportunities for others will be key in Wisconsin’s efforts to move forward without Storr. Crowl, a skilled center, will need to continue providing inside presence and rebounding, while also being able to step out and hit mid-range shots to create space for his teammates.

The Badgers’ backcourt will also need to adapt in the absence of Hepburn. Players like McGee and freshman Jahcobi Neath will be called upon to handle the ball more frequently and take on larger responsibilities in the half-court offense. McGee, known for his defensive prowess, will need to take on an even bigger role as a secondary ball handler while also continuing to guard opposing players on the perimeter. Neath, meanwhile, will have to continue his development as a playmaker and scorer in Hepburn’s absence.

The Road Ahead for Wisconsin

Despite the setbacks, the Wisconsin Badgers are not without hope. The team’s depth and coaching are among the best in the country, and while the loss of two key players certainly presents challenges, Wisconsin is not a team that can be easily written off. Under the leadership of head coach Greg Gard, the Badgers have proven to be adaptable and resilient throughout the season.

Gard will need to find a way to adapt his system to the personnel at his disposal. He’ll have to rely on his remaining players to take on larger roles while adjusting the offensive and defensive schemes to make the most of what they have. The Badgers will likely play a more conservative style of basketball without Storr’s scoring punch and Hepburn’s playmaking, focusing more on team-oriented ball movement, defense, and getting the ball inside to Wahl and Crowl.

As for the rest of the NCAA Tournament, Wisconsin’s fate is uncertain. Without two of their best players, they will have to face each challenge with grit and determination. While it’s possible that other players could rise to the occasion, the reality is that the Badgers are facing an uphill battle as they try to continue their tournament run without Storr and Hepburn.

Final Thoughts: A Team in Transition

The absence of AJ Storr and Chucky Hepburn from the NCAA Tournament is a significant blow to the Wisconsin Badgers, but it’s important to recognize that their contributions have already helped to elevate the program. Wisconsin had a remarkable season, and even without these two stars, the team’s history, talent, and coaching should not be underestimated.

The path forward will require resilience, adaptation, and teamwork. If Wisconsin can rally around its remaining core players and find ways to adjust to their new reality, they still have a chance to make a run. For now, the Badgers will look to their leaders, both on the court and off, to navigate the challenges ahead, and while their tournament hopes may have been dimmed by injury, they remain a team to be reckoned with.