Will former Wisconsin star Chucky Hepburn be selected in the 2025 NBA draft?
All-American wing John Tonje isn't the only now-former Badger hoping to hear his name called during the 2025 NBA draft.
Former Wisconsin star point guard Chucky Hepburn, who played his final collegiate season at Louisville, is among a large group of players currently on the outside looking in of two-round mock draft projections. Remember, there will only be 59 selections this year (instead of 60) after the New York Knicks were forced to forfeit their second-round pick.
More specifically, CBSSports slots Hepburn just outside of its top 59 -- it has the veteran point guard at No. 77 in its latest NBA draft top 100 player ranking.
Hepburn's stock is trending positively after a strong performance at the G League Elite Camp last month. He's looking to validate a breakout senior season with the Cardinals, which included 16.4 points, 3.5 rebounds, 5.8 assists and 2.4 steals per game, plus shooting totals of 43% from the field, 33% from 3 and 84.4% from the free-throw line.
Hepburn has worked out for the Toronto Raptors and Charlotte Hornets, according to RookieWire's Cody Taylor. While the 6-foot-2 point guard is currently slotted outside of the draft's two rounds, he appears to be a prime candidate to sign as an undrafted free agent. He'd then need a standout summer league and preseason to play his way onto an NBA roster.
The former Badger brings a rare combination of excellence on the defensive end and as a floor general to the table. If he can't make an NBA roster immediately out of college, productive seasons in the G League or overseas could lead to a promotion.
The NBA draft will be held on Wednesday (first round) and Thursday (second round) of this week. Hepburn appears to have a long shot chance to hear his name called during Thursday's second round.
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