The NBA Draft Combine in Chicago is potentially changing the draft outcome of multiple players. However, very few have seen as big of an upward boost as Wisconsin’s John Tonje.
Just months ago, the 6’5″ guard was pegged as a late second-round pick in next month’s NBA Draft. Now, after an impressive performance at the Combine, Tonje has the attention of scouts locked on him, with some projecting him as a potential first-round steal.
Combine Performance Potentially Launched Wisconsin’s John Tonje Into First-Round NBA Draft Pick
After a solid run at Colorado State, an injury-filled season at Missouri crippled Tonje’s momentum. Due to this, he was granted an extra year of eligibility.
Tonje transferred to Wisconsin for the 2024-25 season and made up for his lost time with his explosive performance, showcasing impressive scoring skills and versatility that have NBA teams rethinking his ceiling.
Just a few months ago, John Tonje was projected as a late, second-round pick in next month’s NBA draft
Now, the ex-Wisconsin star guard could be a late, first-round selection.
“He had a really good season there (at Wisconsin),” said an Eastern Conference scout at the NBA Combine…— Gery Woelfel (@GeryWoelfel) May 16, 2025
“He had a really good season there,” an Eastern Conference scout told Woelfel’s Pressbox at the Combine. “And he’s been good here. He’s got a wide range, like from 25 to 45, but I could see him going in the first round.”
Day 1 of the Combine scrimmages was a reality check for Tonje. He managed just three points, four rebounds, and an assist, marred by two turnovers and a pair of fouls. It was a forgettable showing, but flashes of his playmaking hinted that he had potential.
On Day 2, he unleashed himself, tying for the team-high with 17 points on 8-of-15 shooting (53.3%) while grabbing seven rebounds, dishing two assists, and swiping a steal. His performance outshone many peers, trailing only Indiana’s Mackenzie Mgbako in scoring and rebounding on his squad.
Though his 1-of-5 mark from three-point range raised some concerns, Tonje’s shooting drills earlier in the Combine quelled them. Regarded as one of the event’s top shooters, his smooth stroke and confidence almost made the scouts forget his weak showing on the first day.
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At 24, Tonje is older than most draftees, leaving less runway for development. His single standout season at Wisconsin, while impressive, is a small sample size compared to younger prospects with multi-year resumes. Still, Tonje’s combine showing make him a gamble worth taking.
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