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.

The Utah Jazz have selected John Tonje with the No. 53 pick in the 2025 NBA draft. One of the oldest players in this year’s class, Tonje played four years at Colorado State, one super-senior year at Missouri and then a super-super-senior year at Wisconsin, when he finally broke out.

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.