In mock drafts leading up to the actual event, Wisconsin Badgers guard John Tonje saw his stock inch higher and higher. ESPN’s projections the day before round one had him going 39th to the Raptors. Tonje was also linked to the Milwaukee Bucks as a possible selection at no. 47. He ended up with neither of those teams. In fact, 12 other franchises passed him by until the Utah Jazz called his name at no. 53. Why did Tonje’s stock drop, and what kind of role should he expect on his new team?
Tonje’s Strong Resume, Rising Big-Board Rank Don’t Measure Up on Draft Night
The Jazz, too, were among those who dismissed him earlier, taking Florida State guard Jamir Watkins 43rd. By the time they were back on the clock, Tonje was one of the top-ranked options available. In fact, 53-59, no other player carried an ESPN big-board ranking higher than his draft place. Five of the six other picks were ranked at least 14 places lower than where they were chosen. Scraping the bottom of the second-round barrel, it isn’t wild to see things get wonky as teams take long shots or think outside the box to try and spot NBA-level talent.
John Tonje, Wisconsin Badgers, NBA Draft
Mar 20, 2025; Denver, CO, USA; Wisconsin Badgers guard John Tonje (9) shoots the ball against Montana Grizzlies guard Money Williams (0) during the first half in the first round of the NCAA Tournament at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
Indeed St. John’s RJ Luis and Alabama’s Mark Sears are two prominent names to go undrafted entirely. Sears has reportedly taken a two-way deal with the Bucks.
Tonje, at least, was drafted, but he has what seems like an overqualified resume. The All-American super senior averaged 19.6 points per game to finish fourth in the Big Ten, a member of the All-America second team. He earned unanimous selection to the All-Big Ten team. The 6-foot-5 24-year-old has a complete offensive game, posting impressive splits both beyond the arc (38.8%) and at the free-throw line (90.9%).
The Bucks passed on him, however, to draft a Serbian big man by the name of Bogolijub Markovic. Many teams followed. There must be something the mocks were missing.
John Tonje, Wisconsin Badgers, NBA Draft
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
Dominating for Wisconsin Badgers Not the Same as Battling NBA Bulk
It may just be that Tonje’s age and physical maturity, part of what could make him an immediate plug-and-play contributor, also discouraged teams on draft day more than anticipated. At 24, he has less room for growth than a player even a couple of years younger. He isn’t the most athletic player out there. He won’t have the same size advantage in the NBA that he did playing against freshman and sophomores at Wisconsin. He isn’t a great facilitator (1.8 assists last season).
Draft expert Jonathan Givony notes some of the above concerns, as well as the hit-or-miss nature of older players. “His maturity could be an asset in the proper role,” writes Givony, “but he still has things to prove on both ends of the floor for NBA purposes, as the track record of older players in this mold is decidedly mixed historically.”
Wisconsin Badgers, John Tonje, NBA Draft
Mar 5, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Wisconsin Badgers guard John Tonje (9) drives towards the basket as Minnesota Golden Gophers forward Frank Mitchell (00) defends during the second half at Williams Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
In Utah, he should certainly get an opportunity if he impresses the organization in summer ball and in the preseason. The Jazz remain mired in a rebuild and shouldn’t be much better than their 21-61 mark last season. Tonje will also be competing with an array of young players at a variety of positions, so he doesn’t have an easy fit penciled in. From Utah’s perspective he is, as one would expect from a 53rd pick, a let’s-just-see-what-we-have type of prospect.
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