On Thursday, the Utah Jazz selected the North Omaha, Nebraska, native with the 53rd overall pick of the draft. After six years of collegiate basketball with three different programs, Tonje becomes the first Badger to be drafted since 2022, joining lottery pick and former Big Ten Player of the Year Johnny Davis.

Tonje became a NBA prospect during his one season with the Badgers when he averaged 19.6 points, 5.3 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game.

With the NBA draft now just hours away, analysts and draft experts are projecting former Wisconsin star John Tonje to be selected anywhere from early to late in the second round. Of note, ESPN's Jonathan Givony's final mock draft slots the now-former Badger at No. 39 overall (No. 9 second round) to the Toronto Raptors.