Wisconsin’s Former Basketball Star Shocks Scouts with Unbelievable NBA Combine Performance
John Tonje’s name started buzzing louder on the first day of the 2025 NBA draft combine—and for good reason. The former Wisconsin Badger, fresh off a remarkable season in Madison, showed the kind of shooting precision that doesn’t just impress—it demands attention. Hailing from North Omaha, Nebraska, Tonje snapped nets with a 72% shooting clip, slotting him fifth among an elite group of talents competing for the next big NBA break. This kind of accuracy, especially in a setting where every shot counts toward draft destiny, throws a brighter spotlight on Tonje’s potential beyond what the current projections have diagrammed—he’s pegged near the 47th pick, but that might just shift with every basket he drains. His knack for scoring inside and out, paired with consistent high percentages throughout college, turns heads and opens doors—he looks like the kind of second-round gem teams crave: versatile, efficient, and ready to make a real impact. As the combine stretches on, all eyes will stay glued—not just on Tonje’s stats, but on how he transforms those numbers into an NBA opportunity worth seizing.
- Former Wisconsin Badger John Tonje impressed at the 2025 NBA draft combine’s first day, ranking fifth in shooting percentage.
- Tonje’s 72% shooting accuracy could improve his draft stock, currently projected at 47th overall.
- His scoring versatility and high shooting percentages in college make him an attractive second-round prospect.
- Tonje’s performance at the combine is crucial for solidifying his position in the upcoming draft.
Tonje, who delivered a historic 2024-25 season leading the Badgers, displayed the efficiency that Wisconsin fans became accustomed to during his tenure in Madison. The North Omaha, Nebraska, native finished the first day of the event having made 72% of his shots, ranked fifth-best of all participants. Only Alabama’s Mark Sears, Tennessee’s Chaz Lanier, Gonzaga’s Ryan Nembhard and Memphis’ PJ Haggerty accumulated a more efficient shooting percentage during the first day of action. Notably, Tonje was one of eight players to shoot at least 70% during the first day of drills, per ESPN NBA draft analyst Jonathan Givony.Tonje’s status in the combine will be something to monitor throughout the coming days. While projected lottery picks may not have much to prove, players in Tonje’s bubble can still bolster their standing.
The UW star averaged just under 20 points per appearance in 2024-25 while shooting 46.5% from the floor, 38.8% from outside and 90.9% from the foul line. A 37-point outing against BYU in the NCAA Tournament, 32-point performance against Michigan State in the Big Ten Tournament and 41-tally performance against Arizona in November showcased his offensive capabilities, something scouts may look towards when evaluating his position as a professional.
Former Wisconsin basketball star John Tonje showcased his shooting prowess during the first day of the 2025 NBA draft combine.
While reflective of only the combine’s first day, the mark could prove noteworthy for Tonje’s draft stock. The 2025 Naismith Player of the Year Semifinalist was recently projected to fall to No. 47 to the Milwaukee Bucks. An impressive performance at the combine could certainly alter his position on draft boards ahead of the June 25 event.
Tonje’s ceiling makes him an appealing second-round prospect, and his ability to impact the game from both inside and beyond the arc could transfer to the NBA level. Tonje’s most likely route to a regular roster spot would be to become a reliable two-way bench asset, a luxury for any team in the draft’s second round.
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