Louisville basketball is most known for their ability to shoot from downtown, and to go on huge runs to sway the game, but on Saturday afternoon against Florida State, the Cardinals demonstrated their hidden talent in full effect.
When they are scoring in these bunches, Cardinals are often finding ways to make their opponents turn the ball over, and Saturday perfectly demonstrated that. Cardinals defense was relentless and all over Florida State causing 12 turnovers in just the first half.
Cardinals had 15 points off turnovers in the first half and helped the, take a double-digit lead and go up as much as 17.
The Cardinals' defense is often overlooked, but is quietly one of the better defenses in the ACC, and it's anchored by Chucky Hepburn. Hepburn was a menace on the defensive side of the ball, especially in the first half, where he secured four steals.
Hepburn is a big reason why Louisville's defense has become so tough to crack this season, and his ability to force steals is one of his underrated skills and has helped elevate this Louisville basketball team to that next level.
1 Improvement that Chucky Hepburn made makes Louisville basketball unstoppable
Louisville basketball hands were all over the floor, as Cardinals forced 12 turnovers in the first half, as this defense is sneaky good, and it is led by Chucky Hepburn.
FSU 12 turnovers in just the first half is the most by Florida State in a half. Hepburn most steal in a game this season is seven back against Indiana. Everyone knows about this Louisville offense, and how good Reyne Smith is at shooting from beyond the Arc, and J'Vonne Hadley ability to play bully ball offense, and even Chucky Hepburn ability to create space or drive and kick, but Hepburn ability to defend has flown under the radar.
Hepburn had four steals in the first half and he averages 2.4 steals a game. He averages the 14th most steals per game in the NCAA, and he is the leader in the ACC. The 6-foot-2, 190-pound guard has improved his defense every year in his collegiate career, but this season he made a much needed jump and is a huge piece on this Kelsey's defense.
Hepburn has 224 steals in his collegiate career, and 63 of them come from this season, and he still has four games remaining in the regular season, and all of the ACC Tournament, and the NCAA Tournament.
Hepburn's ability to keep his eye on his defender, but also the ball and rely on his anticipation and quickness is what makes his defense stand out. He has a natural instinct for reading his opponents offensive plays and it often allows him to get into the passing lanes, or pick the offensive players pocket.
Hepburn has recorded four or more steals in a game seven times this season including today. When Hepburn is able to get a steal it often leads to fast break points, and possibly a Reyne Smith three. Hepburn ability to steal the ball but then drive and score, or drive and kick for a three-ball is why this trait can make this Cardinals team nearly unstoppable.
Hepburn's quick feet and athleticism and just high basketball IQ makes it extremely difficult for the opponents to get past him or to score. Add in his impressive ability to finish off turnovers with fast-break opportunities, and it's easy to see why he's so highly regarded as one of the best defensive players in college basketball.