Illinois Wisconsin Basketball

Wisconsin guard John Tonje (9) handles the ball against Illinois guard Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game, Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2025, in Madison, Wis. (AP Photo/Kayla Wolf)

Kayla Wolf

BROOKLYN, NY. (WKOW)– Former Wisconsin star guard John Tonje is heading to the league. The Utah Jazz drafted Tonje with the No. 53 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. 

Tonje is coming off his lone season with Wisconsin where he averaged 19.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game. Tonje shot 47% from the field, 39% from three, and 91% from the free-throw line. 

The Nebraska native posted three 30+ point games against top-ten opponents, including 41 points against Arizona. 

Tonje earned Second-Team All-American and First Team All-Big Ten honors. 

Tonje is the first Badger to be drafted since Johnny Davis in 2022.Â