As the 2025 NBA Draft approaches, one player making waves is John Tonje, a standout from the University of Wisconsin. At 6’6″ and weighing 212 pounds, Tonje has garnered attention for his impressive scoring ability and overall skill set. With a solid college season behind him, let’s take a closer look at his strengths and weaknesses, and what he could bring to an NBA team.
Player Profile:
– Name: John Tonje
– Birth Year: 2001
– Height: 6’6″
– Wingspan: 6’9″
– Weight: 212 lbs
– Team: University of Wisconsin
– 2024-25 Stats:
– Points per game: 19.6
– Rebounds per game: 5.3
– Assists per game: 1.8
– Steals per game: 0.7
– Blocks per game: 0.2
– Field Goal Percentage: 46.5%
– Three-Point Percentage: 38.8%
– Free Throw Percentage: 90.9%
– Games Played: 37
Strengths:
Tonje’s shooting ability is one of his most significant assets. He has proven to be a formidable catch-and-shoot threat, achieving an impressive 42.1% on spot-up three-pointers during the past season and a notable 40.5% throughout his upperclassman years. His shooting mechanics are clean and consistent, characterized by an effortless release. He is adept at setting his feet quickly, maintaining balance, and executing shots from various platforms.
Additionally, Tonje is comfortable shooting off movement, evidenced by his 12-of-26 performance on three-pointers coming off screens. His fluid shooting motion allows him to score effectively going in either direction, making him a versatile offensive weapon.
Physically, Tonje is a strong, well-built wing with a wingspan nearing 6’10”. He plays through contact, embraces physicality, and adeptly creates space using his body. Off the ball, he actively relocates, times his cuts well, and effectively screens to free himself and his teammates.
Tonje’s ability to draw fouls is another strength; he gets to the free-throw line frequently and converts at an elite 90.9% rate. As a confident scorer, he led Wisconsin’s offense, averaging nearly 20 points per game while consistently drawing defensive attention.
Given his shooting volume, touch, and mechanics, Tonje projects as a plug-and-play shooter in the NBA. His skill set makes him an appealing option as a second-unit floor spacer, capable of contributing immediately.
Weaknesses:
Despite his strengths, Tonje does have areas that need improvement. His athleticism is below average, with heavy feet and a slow change of direction that limit his burst and ability to finish in traffic. This lack of explosiveness can hinder his effectiveness against more athletic NBA defenders.
Defensively, Tonje struggles in space, lacking the lateral quickness necessary to keep up with NBA wings. He is often beaten off the dribble or screened out of plays, which raises concerns about his ability to defend at the next level. Additionally, his finishing around the rim is below par, with a mere 43.8% success rate on layups. He tends to rely more on drawing fouls than finishing cleanly through contact.
Tonje’s assist-to-turnover ratio is another red flag, as he recorded 67 assists against 68 turnovers during the past season. This indicates a struggle to process the game quickly enough as a secondary creator. His defensive playmaking is also lacking, with averages of just 0.7 steals and 0.2 blocks per game, suggesting he is not a disruptive presence on that end of the floor.
While he played as a college 3/4, transitioning to a true 2/3 role in the NBA will be crucial. He may not have the same mismatches or usage as he did in college, which could impact his effectiveness. Furthermore, his style of play, which often relied on bullying college wings, may not translate seamlessly against NBA athletes. Improving his timing and footwork will be essential for his adaptation to the professional level.
Conclusion:
John Tonje is a promising prospect in the 2025 NBA Draft, showcasing a mix of scoring ability, shooting prowess, and physicality. While there are areas for improvement, particularly in his athleticism and defensive capabilities, his potential as a shooter and offensive contributor cannot be overlooked. As he prepares for the next step in his basketball career, Tonje will need to refine his skills and adapt to the demands of the NBA. For teams looking for a capable scorer and shooter, Tonje could be an intriguing addition to their roster.
As the draft approaches, NBA fans will be eager to see where Tonje lands and how he can contribute to his future team. Keep an eye on this rising star as he makes his mark in the league!