John Tonje has become Wisconsin basketball’s surprise sensation after dropping a nuclear 41-point performance against #9 Arizona on November 18, 2024 – the fourth-highest scoring game in Badgers history. The 6’5″ graduate guard shattered multiple program records while shooting 58% from the field and making 21/22 free throws (95.5%), cementing his status as one of college basketball’s most efficient scorers.
The Breakout Game That Changed Everything
In just his fourth appearance for Wisconsin since transferring from Missouri, Tonje:
- Played 38 minutes in the 89-83 upset victory
- Set a new program record for made free throws (21)
- Became only the fifth Badger ever to score 40+ points
- Added 7 rebounds and 3 assists
This historic performance comes after foot surgery limited him to just eight games at Missouri last season .
From Transfer Portal Gem to Record Breaker
The Omaha native now averages 23.5 PPG through Wisconsin’s first four games – nearly double his previous career high at Colorado State (14.6 PPG in 2022-23). His shooting splits tell an elite story:
| Stat | 2024-25 | Career Avg |
|---|---|---|
| FG% | .558 | .459 |
| 3P% | .474 | .376 |
| FT% | .949 | .830 |
“John’s work ethic is unmatched,” said head coach Greg Gard after the Arizona game. “When he entered the portal, we knew we were getting a mature player – we didn’t know we were getting a program-defining talent.”
The Road Ahead
With NBA scouts now regularly attending Badgers games, Tonje faces new challenges:
- Maintaining production against Big Ten defenses
- Improving playmaking (2.0 APG currently)
- Leading Wisconsin’s push for its first Final Four since 2015
The graduate student continues balancing athletics with academics – he’s currently pursuing a Sports Leadership master’s degree after earning his Colorado State business degree in 2023 . With six years of NCAA eligibility due to COVID rules and medical redshirts, Tonje could theoretically play through 2026 at age 25.
