https://www.nbadraft.net/players/john-tonje/Tonje gets a 9 for shooting.
NBA Comparison: AJ Green
Strengths: Tonje is a strong, skilled wing with solid scoring instincts and a mature, experienced approach to the game … At 6’5” and 218 pounds, he brings a well-built frame and physical strength that allows him to hold his own against bigger wings and contribute as a straight-line slasher or physical driver … After transferring to Wisconsin, he broke out as a fifth-year senior in 2024–25, averaging 19.6 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game while shooting 48.7% from the field and 36.2% from three … Tonje is a capable three-level scorer who can knock down shots off the catch, create in isolation, and punish mismatches with strength and footwork … He’s particularly effective in the midrange and can hit tough pull-ups in rhythm … His free throw shooting was elite—he hit 90.6% from the line this season—highlighting his touch and potential as a shooting specialist … Uses his body well to absorb contact and finish through defenders at the rim … Competes hard on both ends, showing effort as a rebounder and toughness when defending physically … Brings leadership and poise from over 130 career college games … His efficient scoring, physicality, and competitive mindset make him a possible plug-and-play contributor for teams seeking mature wing depth with shooting upside …
Weaknesses: Tonje is slightly undersized for a true NBA wing at 6’5”, and while strong and physical, he lacks elite speed or vertical explosiveness … He’s more of a ground-bound athlete, which can make it difficult to stay in front of quicker guards or finish over length in traffic … Defending in space or in switch-heavy schemes may present challenges, as his lateral quickness is average and recovery speed is limited … Offensively, he’s more of a straight-line driver than someone who creates separation off the dribble, and doesn’t consistently break down defenses in isolation … His passing ability is serviceable but not a strength—he recorded an even 1.8 assists to 1.8 turnovers in 2024–25, suggesting limited vision and creation for others … Combined with a lack of burst, this may limit his ceiling as a movement shooter or off-ball creator … Already 23 years old, with most of his scoring surge coming as a fifth-year senior, some scouts may question how well his production translates against NBA-level athleticism … His narrower role and lack of defensive versatility could make it harder to carve out a long-term spot without continued growth as a shooter and team defender …
Outlook: Tonje’s 2024–25 senior campaign at Wisconsin was his most productive to date, where he led the team in scoring with 19.6 points per game on efficient shooting splits and helped solidify the Badgers as an NCAA Tournament team … His three-point shooting has become his calling card—he hit 36.2% from deep on solid volume, showing the ability to space the floor and knock down shots off the catch with confidence … Despite limited athleticism and average physical tools for the NBA level, his maturity, toughness, and consistent perimeter scoring give him a strong case for a Summer League or two-way opportunity … If he can hold up defensively and continue shooting at a high clip, he has a clear pathway to a role as a floor-spacing wing or bench scorer in the right system … Best suited as a low-risk veteran option who can contribute immediately in a structured, half-court environment with defined shooting responsibilities .
Notes: John Tonje measured 6′ 4.75” barefoot, 211.8 lbs, 6′ 9.00” wingspan, 8′ 6.50” standing reach with a 30.0 no step vertical and 37.0 maximum vertical at the 2025 NBA Draft Combine. … Born April 23, 2001 … Played first four seasons at Colorado State before transferring to Missouri for 2023–24, where he was limited to just eight games due to a lingering injury and received a medical redshirt … Transferred to Wisconsin in 2024 for his final collegiate season … Represented Cameroon in the 2023 FIBA Olympic Pre-Qualifying Tournament, helping them go 4–0 … Played in over 130 career NCAA games … Prepped at Omaha Central (NE) and was a two-time All-State selection …
