The Wisconsin Badgers concluded their basketball season with a loss to BYU in the NCAA Tournament, bringing an end to an unpredictable and eventful year. The team is now facing a period of transition, as they are set to lose six seniors, most notably John Tonje. Though he spent only one season with the Badgers, Tonje made a lasting impression on fans and solidified his legacy as one of the program’s most beloved players. His basketball journey, however, is far from over. Tonje is now drawing attention from NBA scouts and climbing the draft rankings ahead of the 2025 NBA Draft.
According to the most recent mock draft from On3 Sports, Tonje is projected to be selected by the Cleveland Cavaliers with the 59th overall pick. Despite being a relative unknown at the start of the season, Tonje has surged onto draft boards thanks to his impressive performance at Wisconsin. His rise is especially remarkable considering he missed nearly the entire 2023–2024 season at Missouri before transferring. The move to Wisconsin turned out to be a career-defining decision, as Tonje quickly emerged as a standout player under head coach Greg Gard.
In his single season with the Badgers, Tonje averaged 19.6 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game. He shot an efficient 46% from the field and a strong 39% from three-point range, earning both All-American honors and a spot on the First Team All-Big Ten. These accolades have helped him garner attention as a legitimate NBA prospect, despite his age—Tonje is 23, which is considered older by draft standards.
Still, his maturity, experience, and versatility as a scorer make him an appealing option for NBA teams searching for value in the second round. Tonje’s ability to contribute on both ends of the floor—particularly as a potential three-and-D wing—positions him well to find a role off the bench at the next level. His skill set, work ethic, and recent surge in production suggest that he may surprise teams during pre-draft evaluations.
With the NBA Draft scheduled to take place over two days—June 25 and 26—and the NBA Combine set for mid-May, Tonje will have more opportunities to prove himself to scouts and front offices. If he continues to impress, there’s a solid chance he could hear his name called this summer, capping off a remarkable turnaround in his basketball career.
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