John Tonje’s NBA draft stock was rising before the event, with some saying the Wisconsin Badgers guard could get picked around early 40s. That does not matter now though as he was still selected and it looks like he went to the team that really wants him.
John Tonje, Wisconsin Badgers
Wisconsin Badgers guard John Tonje (9) yells in excitement after dunking the ball Thursday, March 13, 2025, during the second round of the men’s Big Ten tournament at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The Wisconsin Badgers defeated the Northwestern Wildcats, 70-63.
Tonje, 24, was picked at 53rd by the rebuilding Utah Jazz who also selected the controversial Ace Bailey with their fifth pick.
Team’s vice president of Player Development Avery Bradley hailed the pick by praising what Tonje does best.
“We’re excited to add him to our team,”he said.
“We feel like not only is he going to bring a lot of leadership, but he has great strength and great shooting ability.”
Bradley and his team must have made a close watch of Tonje as the player is indeed a bucket-getter. He was the Badgers’ top scorer in the 2024 season, averaging 19.6 points per game.
John Tonje, Wisconsin Badgers
Wisconsin Badgers guard John Tonje (9) smiles while guarding Michigan State Spartans guard Jeremy Fears Jr. (1) on Saturday, March 15, 2025, in a semifinals game at the 2025 TIAA Big Ten Men’s Basketball Tournament between the Michigan State Spartans and the Wisconsin Badgers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The Wisconsin Badgers defeated the Michigan State Spartans, 77-74.
He only played one year for UW but already broke multiple scoring records including the most made free throws in a single game with 21. He turned it up in the playoffs when he set the a Wisconsin program record of 37 points in an NCAA tournament.
John Blackwell congratulates John Tonje
John Blackwell, Tonje’s partner in scoring last season, was among the first to celebrate Tonje’s selection.
So proud of you man! God is so good! You deserve it fr! https://t.co/Qw5OtRBo1R
— John Blackwell (@_Johnblackwell1) June 27, 2025
Tonje is expected to stay with the Jazz this season. He might also get featured in a lot games as the team is not among those contending for the title.
Collin Sexton, Jordan Clarkson
Mar 6, 2024; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Utah Jazz guard Jordan Clarkson (00) and guard Collin Sexton (2) speak during a second quarter break in action against the Chicago Bulls at Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-USA TODAY Sports
He will contend for the spot as a third stringer, behind Collin Sexton and Jordan Clarkson unless those two guys get traded.
Other shooting guards in the line up are Jaden Springer, Keyonte George, and Svi Mykhailiuk.
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