“This Under-the-Radar Star Just SHATTERED Wisconsin Basketball History – Here’s How!”

“This Under-the-Radar Star Just SHATTERED Wisconsin Basketball History – Here’s How!”

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.


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