John Tonje is set to be a significant addition to the Wisconsin Badgers basketball team. Joining as a sixth-year transfer graduate student, John Tonje arrives in Madison after valuable stints at Missouri and Colorado State. His extensive experience is immediately apparent; John Tonje has participated in 130 career games, starting in 50 of those, as he enters the 2024-25 season with the Badgers. This veteran presence makes John Tonje one of the most seasoned players on the Wisconsin roster.
Tonje’s journey began at Missouri, where he played in eight games, starting four, before a foot injury sidelined him for the remainder of the season. This setback led him to apply for a medical redshirt, adding an extra year to his eligibility. Prior to Missouri, John Tonje spent four seasons at Colorado State University, a period where he truly made his mark. Across 122 games for the Rams, John Tonje accumulated 1,051 points and played a key role in their journey to the NCAA tournament in 2022. During his senior year at Colorado State in 2022-23, John Tonje showcased his offensive capabilities, averaging an impressive 14.6 points per game with a 47.3% field goal percentage, alongside 4.7 rebounds per game.
Beyond his college career, John Tonje also boasts international experience. He was a member of the Cameroon National Team during the 2023 FIBA Pre-Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Nigeria, further demonstrating his versatility and skill on the court.
Accolades and Achievements of John Tonje
John Tonje’s basketball career is decorated with honors that underscore his impact and performance. His achievements include:
- 2024 Greenbrier Tip-Off Tournament MVP: This prestigious award highlights John Tonje’s standout performance during the tournament, solidifying his ability to lead and excel in competitive environments.
- 2024 Greenbrier Tip-Off All-Tournament Team: His inclusion in the All-Tournament Team further recognizes his consistent contributions and high level of play throughout the Greenbrier Tip-Off Tournament.
- Big Ten Player of the Week – 2x (Nov. 18, 2024; Nov. 25, 2024): Earning the Big Ten Player of the Week award twice in a row is a testament to John Tonje’s immediate impact and dominance in a highly competitive conference like the Big Ten.
- Lute Olson National Player of the Week (Nov. 18, 2024): This national recognition places John Tonje among the top college basketball players in the country, acknowledging his exceptional performance during the week of November 18, 2024.
- Oscar Robertson National Player of the Week – 2x (Nov. 19, 2024; Nov. 26, 2024): Similar to the Big Ten accolades, receiving the Oscar Robertson National Player of the Week award in back-to-back weeks signifies an extraordinary level of play and influence on the court.
These honors collectively highlight John Tonje’s talent, hard work, and ability to perform at an elite level, making him a valuable asset to the Wisconsin Badgers.
John Tonje’s 2024-25 Season with Wisconsin Badgers
In his debut season with the Wisconsin Badgers in 2024-25, John Tonje has already made a statement. Notably, he scored a career-high 41 points in a victory against No. 9 Arizona on November 15, 2024. This performance was record-breaking, as John Tonje set a single-game school record by making 21 free throws out of 22 attempts. His efficiency extended beyond free throws, as he shot 8-for-14 from the field, including 4-for-6 from three-point range. In addition to his scoring outburst, John Tonje also contributed 6 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 steal in the game, showcasing his all-around game. As a sixth-year senior, John Tonje’s transfer to Wisconsin from Missouri was strategically planned after applying for a medical redshirt, allowing him to maximize his collegiate playing career.
Medical Redshirt Season at Missouri (2023-24)
The 2023-24 season at Missouri was unfortunately curtailed by injury for John Tonje. Despite joining the team with high expectations, a recurring injury limited his playing time to just eight games. Ultimately, John Tonje made the decision to sit out the remainder of the season to recover and rehabilitate, applying for a medical redshirt to regain his lost year of eligibility. This decision paved the way for his transfer to Wisconsin and the opportunity to continue his basketball journey with the Badgers.
Representing Cameroon on the International Stage (2023 Summer)
During the summer of 2023, John Tonje proudly represented his heritage by playing for the Cameroon National Team in the FIBA Olympic Pre-Qualifying Tournament held in Nigeria. His participation in this international competition is a significant highlight of his career. John Tonje contributed to Cameroon’s successful campaign, helping the team achieve a perfect 4-0 record in the tournament. Cameroon’s strong performance advanced them to the final rounds of the Olympic qualifying tournament for the Paris 2024 Olympics, showcasing John Tonje’s ability to compete and contribute at the international level.
Senior Season Success at Colorado State (2022-23)
John Tonje’s senior season at Colorado State in 2022-23 was marked by consistent performance and leadership. He started in all 33 games for the Rams, becoming a focal point of their offense. During this season, John Tonje averaged 14.6 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game, demonstrating his well-rounded skill set. He displayed his scoring prowess by exceeding 20 points in seven games, with season-highs of 25 points against Mississippi Valley State and Wyoming. Ten times throughout the season, John Tonje led the team in both scoring and rebounding, highlighting his importance to the Rams’ success. He also recorded his first career double-double against Penn State, with 14 points and a career-high 13 rebounds. Nationally, John Tonje ranked 160th in free throw shooting percentage, hitting 81.5% from the line, further emphasizing his reliability and scoring efficiency.
Junior Year and NCAA Tournament Berth with Colorado State (2021-22)
The 2021-22 season was a pivotal year for John Tonje and the Colorado State Rams. John Tonje played in 30 games, starting 12, and averaged 9.1 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 0.8 assists per game. His contributions were crucial in leading CSU to a record-tying 14 conference wins and, significantly, the team’s first appearance in the NCAA Tournament since 2013. John Tonje showcased his shooting accuracy, hitting 46.1 percent of his field goals, 36.4 percent of his three-pointers, and 82.1 percent of his free throws. He began the season impressively, scoring a then-career-high 31 points against Oral Roberts. Throughout the season, he had 12 games with 10 or more points, including notable performances against San Diego State, Wyoming, and Saint Mary’s. His consistent scoring and efficiency were instrumental in Colorado State’s successful season and return to the national stage of the NCAA Tournament.
Sophomore Season Growth at Colorado State (2020-21)
During his sophomore year at Colorado State in 2020-21, John Tonje demonstrated significant growth and increased contributions. Playing in all 28 games off the bench, he improved his averages to 6.6 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 0.8 assists per game, while playing 20.2 minutes per game. His shooting percentages also improved, connecting on 38.9 percent from the field, 31.3 percent from three-point range, and 85.7 percent from the free-throw line. John Tonje achieved a then-career-best 15 points on two occasions and grabbed a season-best eight rebounds against San Jose State. He scored in double figures 10 times during the season, proving his ability to be a reliable scorer off the bench and a valuable contributor to the team’s success.
Freshman Year at Colorado State (2019-20)
John Tonje began his college basketball career at Colorado State in 2019-20, playing in 31 games as a freshman, all from the bench. In his first year, he averaged 3.6 points, 1.0 rebounds, and 8.5 minutes per game. Despite limited minutes, John Tonje showed promise as a shooter, hitting 46.1 percent from the field and an impressive 43.5 percent from beyond the three-point arc. Within Mountain West Conference games, his shooting percentages were even stronger, at 52.4 percent from the field and 51.9 percent from three. He scored a season-high 10 points against New Mexico and demonstrated flashes of his potential as a future key player for the Rams.
High School Career
Before his successful college career, John Tonje was a standout high school player in Nebraska. As a senior, he averaged a state-best 23.8 points per game for the Eagles, along with 6.1 rebounds, 1.8 steals, and 1.4 assists. He led his team to a 22-6 record and a runner-up finish in the state tournament. His shooting percentages were exceptional, hitting 50 percent from the field, 38 percent from three-point range (leading Class A with 73 triples), and 82 percent from the free-throw line (also best in Class A). John Tonje set a school single-season scoring record as a senior and earned first-team All-State honors. His scoring improved dramatically throughout his high school career, culminating in his senior year success and setting the stage for his college basketball journey.
Personal Life
John Tonje comes from a family with a strong athletic and community background. He is the son of Jean and Sara Tonje. His father, Jean “Bertin” Tonje, is originally from Cameroon and was a professional soccer player for the Cameroon national team, instilling a legacy of athletic excellence. His mother, Sara, is a pastor, emphasizing the importance of community and service. John Tonje has two brothers, Malcolm and Texan. Academically, he earned his bachelor’s degree in Business/Real Estate from Colorado State and is currently pursuing a graduate degree in Sports Leadership, demonstrating his commitment to both athletic and academic pursuits.
Conclusion
John Tonje brings a wealth of experience, leadership, and proven performance to the Wisconsin Badgers. From his international play with the Cameroon National Team to his record-setting performances and accolades in college basketball, John Tonje is poised to make a significant impact. Badgers fans can look forward to watching John Tonje utilize his veteran skills and contribute to a successful season. His journey, marked by resilience and achievement, makes John Tonje a compelling figure in college basketball and an exciting addition to the Wisconsin Badgers program.
