Former Wisconsin Badgers star John Tonje was among those who were invited for the combine leading to the NBA 2025 draft and just like what he did for his former team, he showed out.
NBA draft 2025 combine
May 13, 2025; Chicago, Il, USA; Cooper Flagg (51) participates in the 2025 NBA Draft Combine at Wintrust Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images
He was among the top shooters in the recent camp.
Final best shooters at NBA Combine drills (aggregate of all shots). Mark Sears was scorching.
83%Mark Sears
77% Chaz Lanier
73% Ryan Nembhard
73% PJ Haggerty
72% John Tonje
72% Milos Uzan
72% Cedric Coward
71% Walter Clayton
69%Koby Brea
69%Eric Dixon
69% Yaxel Lendeborg pic.twitter.com/eOABIgtO7E
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) May 13, 2025
Shooting has always been Tonje’s main weapon. In the 20242-2025 season, he recorded his highest college basketball average in points at 19.6. He shot 46.5 overall fro the field and 38.8 from the three point line.
Tonje is one of two Badgers players who declared himself for the NBA draft with the other one being John Blackwell, Badgers’ second best scorer from last season.
John Blackwell, Greg Gard, Wisconsin Badgers
Dec 9, 2023; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Wisconsin Badgers guard John Blackwell (25) talks to Wisconsin Badgers head coach Greg Gard during the second half at McKale Center. Mandatory Credit: Zachary BonDurant-USA TODAY Sports
The difference, however, is that Blackwell will still be able to return for the Badgers for 2025 if ever he does not get drafted.
John Tonje’s draft stock is getting better
Tonje is predicted to get drafted at 52nd last March. That is an improvement from analysts’ prediction of him weeks before.
He continues to improve as the NBA draft, happening on June 25-26, gets nearer.
The 24-year-old jumped 11 spots in the draft selection according to Sports Illustrated.
John Tonje, Wisconsin Badgers
Mar 15, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Wisconsin Badgers guard John Tonje (9) shoots the ball while Michigan State Spartans guard Jeremy Fears Jr. (1) defends in the second half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
“While he’s likely to remain in that second-round range, a landing spot like Golden State could be ideal,” Lorin Cox wrote.
“Veteran teammates like Steph Curry, Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green could provide excellent mentors who can show him what it takes to succeed at the professional level.”
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