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Wisconsin Badgers' John Tonje Passed on by Bucks, Falls to 53rd in NBA Draft 2 Mar 20, 2025; Denver, CO, USA; Wisconsin Badgers guard John Tonje (9) looks on during the second half against the Montana Grizzlies in the first round of the NCAA Tournament at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

Wisconsin Badgers: Impressive Former Guard Continues to Sit Out 2025 NBA Summer League

Originally posted on WI Sports Heroics
By Jarrett Guerrera | Last updated Jul 14, 2025 7:15 PM ET

A former Wisconsin Badgers guard heard his name called during the recent NBA Draft, but has not had his name called during the Summer League.

Each year, the NBA hosts the best and youngest talent both on the court and on the sideline during the Summer League, which is a group of exhibition games played in different hubs such as Orlando and Las Vegas. The Utah Jazz have one of the better units on paper in the Summer League with Kyle Filipowski, Cam McGriff, and Cody Williams highlighting the team.

Off of the bench, young stars such as Ace Bailey and Walter Clayton Jr have received chances to showcase their abilities before each being shutdown. One such player who has not been able to make much of an impact during the Summer League has been second-round selection John Tonje, a former standout for the Wisconsin Badgers. Tonje was the heart and soul of the team last year and managed to slide into the second-round despite not being on the radar of the NBA just over a year ago.

Wisconsin Badgers: Impressive Former Guard Continues to Sit Out 2025 NBA Summer League 1 Mar 22, 2025; Denver, CO, USA; Wisconsin Badgers guard John Tonje (9) shoots the ball against the Brigham Young Cougars during the second half in the second round of the NCAA Tournament at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

The success story of Tonje is one that makes both Wisconsin Badgers fans and fans of basketball in general happy to see. However, due to a lower body injury, Tonje has been kept off the court and unable to showcase his abilities during the Summer League.

Injuries Holding Back Former Wisconsin Badgers Guard John Tonje During Summer League

Tonje will have to wait another game before making his debut for the Utah Jazz after suffering an ankle injury just before the start of the Summer League. The Jazz played three games in Salt Lake City and have completed two games in Las Vegas so far without the help of the injured guard.

While the right ankle injury is not believed to be anything serious, the tweak is concerning for the guard due to his injury past. Tonje transferred to Missouri and played in just eight games during the 2023-24 season after a knee injury cut his season short. When healthy, Tonje is an excellent player who is prepared to prove himself, but staying healthy will be key to the guard having the most impact in the future.

Staying healthy will also be imperative for Tonje moving forward as the guard will be coming off the bench in the future. Tonje needs to be ready in a moments notice and needs to be able to capitalize when an opportunity is given to him in order to secure a full-time spot in the NBA during the upcoming season. The Summer League will be a great way for Tonje to introduce the NBA to what his abilities against elevated competition look like.

Wisconsin Badgers Basketball: John Blackwell Has Important Takeaway from Dropping Out of 2025 NBA Draft A - 'I Definitely Got Better' 2 Mar 14, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Wisconsin Badgers guard John Blackwell (25) and Wisconsin Badgers guard John Tonje (9) celebrate after a play during the second half against the UCLA Bruins at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images

This article first appeared on WI Sports Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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