Wisconsin Badgers alum John Tonje was among the rookies Utah Jazz named for the Summer League but the 6’4 shooting guard was not able to play.
Ace Bailey, Utah Jazz
Jun 25, 2025; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Ace Bailey stands with NBA commissioner Adam Silver after being selected as the fifth pick by the Utah Jazz in the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
The Summer League match up between the Jazz and the Philadephia 76ers ended in the latter’s victory but the bigger story was the match up between no. 3 pick VJ Edgecomb and no. 5 pick Ace Bailey.
The young players could have used someone like him in the game, especially since it ended in a close one.
Tonje was picked 53rd overall by the Jazz in the recent NBA draft and team’s Vice President of Player Development hailed his selection for his shooting and leadership.
“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.”
However, his Summer League debut will have to wait as he had to sit that one out due to a sprained ankle according to a report by Jazz insider Ben Anderson.
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.
A few @utahjazz rookies won’t be making their debuts tonight:
OUT – RJ Luis Jr. (left knee soreness)
OUT – Cam McGriff (left ankle soreness)
OUT – John Tonje (right ankle sprain)
— Ben Anderson (@BensHoops) July 5, 2025
Other Wisconsin Badgers alum was DNP’d
Tonje is not the only player Badgers are rooting for in the NBA this season.
Steven Crowl went undrafted but he managed to strike a contract with the Jazz. However, he was not fielded in the game against the 76ers.
Steven Crowl, Wisconsin Badgers
Mar 17, 2024; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Wisconsin Badgers forward Steven Crowl (22) plays the ball in the first half against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports
The center role went to Johni Broome and Alex Reese who scored 13 points and 2 points, respectively.
The Jazz youngsters will return to action on Tuesday against the Memphis Grizzlies and then the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday.
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