Most NBA mock drafts for 2025 are not that kind to John Tonje but things are changing for the former Wisconsin Badgers star after his participation at the combine.
John Tonje
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 himself is feeling optimistic about his chances, too. He said the combine allowed him to show what he can do even though he is among the older ones in the upcoming NBA Draft, he knows he can still improve.
“I think it’s just a steady improvement every day,” Tonje said in an interview with Badger Notes’ Dillon Graff.
“I love the game, I love to get better, and I love to compete and win. I’m someone that can see myself getting better and continue to grow. I love the game, so I think the sky’s the limit.”
What made him standout? The 24-year-old guard credits the people around him for encouraging him to just be himself.
NBA Draft 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
“I really just wanted to be myself,” he said.
“That’s what I was told by my agency—that a lot of the stuff is about who you are the person, not just who you are the basketball player. They just encouraged me to go out there and be myself, and I think that gave me a good chance.”
John Tonje can surprise in first round
Most giant sports publications have Tonje going in the second half of the second round.
He is no. 41 in The Athletic, no. 40 for Yahoo Sports), and no. 47 according to Bleacher Report. The consensus is that teams think he is older than most aspirants and therefore will not be a great project.
However, the story is changing. Reporter Gery Woelfel, quoting an Eastern Conference team executive, wrote that there is a chance now he will get pick in the first round.
John Tonje, Wisconsin Badgers
Mar 19, 2025; Denver, CO, USA; Wisconsin Badgers player John Tonje during a press conference at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
Just a few months ago, John Tonje was projected as a late, second-round pick in next month’s NBA draft
Now, the ex-Wisconsin star guard could be a late, first-round selection.
“He had a really good season there (at Wisconsin),” said an Eastern Conference scout at the NBA Combine…
— Gery Woelfel (@GeryWoelfel) May 16, 2025
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