Wed Nov 27 17:00:00 UTC 2024: ## Wisconsin Badgers’ Transfer Portal Strategy Pays Off, While Departing Players Find Success Elsewhere
**MADISON, WI** – The Wisconsin Badgers basketball program’s aggressive use of the transfer portal this year is proving fruitful. While losing key players like starters Chucky Hepburn (Louisville) and AJ Storr (Kansas), the Badgers have seen success with their incoming transfers, particularly guard John Tonje, who leads the team in scoring through the first seven games.
Hepburn, a three-year starter for Wisconsin, has transitioned smoothly to Louisville, averaging 10.5 points, leading the team in assists and steals. Storr, meanwhile, is contributing off the bench for the top-ranked Kansas Jayhawks, averaging 9.4 points.
Other former Badgers are also making their mark at new schools. Max Essegian is averaging 10.4 points at Nebraska, while Carter Gilmore is contributing for South Dakota State, averaging 8.9 points. The impact of other transfers is varied, with some seeing more playing time than others. For instance, Ben Carlson is averaging 4.3 points at South Dakota State, while Isaac Lindsey contributes for Lipscomb. Walk-on Conor Haertle is excelling at the Division II level, leading his team in scoring. Finally, Jordan Davis continues his career at Illinois State.
The early season performance of both incoming and outgoing transfers highlights the dynamic nature of college basketball in the transfer portal era. The success of Wisconsin’s new recruits underscores the effectiveness of their portal strategy, while the contributions of former Badgers at other programs showcase their individual talents.
First Piper 