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John Tonje 2025 NBA Draft Profile

Originally posted on Last Word On Sports | By Kaleb Kraus | Last updated May 28, 2025 7:00 AM ET

Nothing tops being a multi-year senior, and that’s exactly what John Tonje was for the Wisconsin Badgers in 2024-25. Now Tonje will be looking to carry over his impressive skill set to the next level. It’s likely going to be quite a bit of a wait for the 6-foot-5 wing. He’s no stranger to waiting, given he played six seasons of college basketball. Despite some games during the middle of the season where he looked lost, Tonje was a terrific scorer for a Wisconsin team that finished second in the Big Ten. Let’s take a closer look at John Tonje’s NBA Draft profile.

John Tonje 2025 NBA Draft Profile

College Career

Tonje, originally from Omaha, Nebraska, took his talents to Colorado State before the 2019-2020 season. So the season that COVID wrecked for a lot of seniors that year. He played in 31 games and averaged just around three points during his freshman season. His sophomore season saw him play in 28 games and make his first-ever start. He took his average up nearly 10 points per game during the 2021-22 season.

By the time of the 2022-23 season, Tonje was more than ready to break out in what was supposed to be his true senior year. He did just that as he finished the campaign with an average of 14.6 points per game and 4.7 rebounds. He also started all 33 of Colorado State’s games as they nearly beat the No. 20-ranked San Diego State Aztecs in the second round of the MWC Tournament. After that breakout campaign, Tonje looked to use his extra season. He thus transferred to Missouri to play in the SEC. That was over before it started, as he only played in eight games before a major leg injury sidelined him, and eventually allowed him to play a sixth season, with the Wisconsin Badgers.

He had a very successful run with Wisconsin, as he finished with an average of 19.6 points per game, while also averaging five rebounds. For his success, he was named a consensus All-American, along with being named a first-team All-Big Ten player. He put up quite the competition compared to Big Ten Player of the Year Braden Smith. Tonje’s career came to a close with the Badgers’ loss in the second round of the NCAA Tournament. He scored 37 points in the two-point loss.

Strengths

Looking at Tonje’s strengths, he has a feel all over the floor. He isn’t afraid to get to the rim, as well as knock down deep jumpers. He is a very efficient scorer. His strength and athleticism certainly allow him to hang at the NBA level. Tonje was nearly a 47 percent shooter from the field and got to the free-throw line at a high rate.

Tonje has the ability to be a great team player, as he is a great rebounding guard, which worked best when on the floor with John Blackwell. He doesn’t foul and is good as a on-ball defender. Tonje is also certainly not afraid to create his shot. Overall, his natural scoring prowess and shot creation are his biggest strengths.

Weaknesses

Tonje’s frame doesn’t quite live up to the expectations for a wing in the NBA. Hence why he isn’t viewed as a potential late first-rounder. At times can settle for shots, and they aren’t shots you want him taking. His playmaking in the passing department still needs work. If he isn’t going to be a wing, he has to be able to handle the ball as the two-guard. If he can’t get that working, then Tonje’s NBA Draft stock is going to slip more.

It’s no secret that Tonje certainly put himself into the draft conversation following his breakout season with the Badgers this past season. He’s one of those borderline guys, though, given his age. He’s got the frame to be an impactful player in the NBA. The question that remains is whether he is a guy who can step right in and make a difference.

NBA Comparison

That could benefit him in the pros, but is his one breakout season in the Big Ten enough to hook on a team? In many ways, he reminds me of the last Wisconsin player drafted, Johnny Davis. He was a top 10 pick, but finds himself in the G League. Tonje’s Draft landing spot won’t be as high as Davis’, by far, but he might have a shot at actually sticking with a team.

The other comparison for Tonje is AJ Green, who plays for the Milwaukee Bucks. Like Tonje, Green made a name at a lower level at Northern Iowa. Tonje certainly has a better shot of getting drafted, but his game is very similar to what Green has been for the Bucks. For this comparison to pan out, Tonje will have to be an elite spot-up shooter in the NBA.