John Tonje is quickly becoming one of the most intriguing names in the lead-up to the 2025 NBA Draft.
The 6’5″, 218-pound shooting guard, who wrapped up his college career at Wisconsin, has turned heads with his impressive performances in pre-draft workouts and interviews. Once seen as a potential late second-round pick, Tonje is now flirting with early second-round—and even fringe first-round—status thanks to a combination of production, maturity, and a sharpshooter’s touch.
Tonje’s journey to this moment has been anything but conventional. Born in Nebraska and largely overlooked in high school recruiting circles, he carved out a meaningful college career the long way—starting at Colorado State, making a brief stop at Missouri, and finally finding a home at Wisconsin. It was in Madison that Tonje truly broke out. In just his fourth game as a Badger, he dropped 41 points, immediately placing himself on the radar of NBA scouts.
By season’s end, Tonje had posted averages of 19.6 points and 5.3 rebounds per game, while shooting an efficient 46.5% from the field, 38.8% from beyond the arc, and over 90% from the free-throw line. His calm demeanor, polished footwork, and ability to create space for himself made him a go-to scorer for the Badgers—and a nightmare for Big Ten defenses.
But it’s not just his college production that’s driving the hype. At the NBA Combine, Tonje continued to elevate his stock. Scouts praised his shooting form, his high release point, and his ability to hit shots off movement. He also performed well in agility drills and interviews, presenting himself as a mature, coachable player who knows his role and is ready to contribute immediately.
He’s drawn favorable comparisons to NBA players like Max Strus—a reliable “3-and-D” wing with strong fundamentals and the toughness to battle on both ends of the floor. His NBA-ready frame and strong shooting percentages have made him a favorite among front offices looking for plug-and-play rotation pieces in the second round.
Still, not everyone is convinced. Some analysts point to his age—he’ll turn 24 shortly after the draft—and question how much upside remains. Others have highlighted limitations in his athleticism and defensive versatility, especially when guarding quicker NBA wings. But for every critique, there’s a counterpoint: Tonje has proven he can adapt, grow, and lead. His steady progression across multiple programs is a testament to his work ethic and resilience.
Tonje has also become a fan favorite. His underdog story, thoughtful interviews, and clear love for the game resonate with fans and teams alike. He’s not flashy, but he’s steady. Not the loudest in the room, but one of the hardest workers.
As the 2025 NBA Draft approaches, Tonje finds himself in a position many never thought he’d reach: one step away from achieving his NBA dream. Whether his name is called in the first or second round, one thing is certain—John Tonje has earned every bit of the spotlight shining on him now.
