Wisconsin Basketball Transfer Earns Associated Press Player of the Week Honors

The University of Wisconsin basketball program has seen its share of standout performances over the years, but John Tonje’s historic game against then-No. 9 Arizona at the Kohl Center has forced the national media to take notice.

The Associated Press named Tonje the National Player of the Week in men’s college basketball, adding to his growing list of accolades, which includes being honored as the Lute Olson National Player of the Week. 

The Nebraska native's efforts also caught the attention of the U.S. Basketball Writers Association, which recognized him as one of its Oscar Robertson National Players of the Week. Not a bad week for Tonje. 

Tonje’s 41-point performance in the Badgers statement win over Arizona cemented his place in the record books. His scoring barrage included a remarkable 22 points in the first half—the most by a Wisconsin player in a half since Brad Davison's 23-point effort against Michigan State in 2018.

The 6-foot-6 wing also became the first player in the Big Ten conference since 2004-05 to notch 40 points and 20 made free throws in the same game.

Through five games this season, the graduate transfer from Colorado State has averaged 22.6 points, 5.0 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and a steal per game while shooting an efficient 56.3% from the field, 50.0% from beyond the arc, and 95.9% from the charity stripe. 

Tonje’s ability to attack the rim and score the ball efficiently within the confines of this offense has made him an ideal fit for Greg Gard’s system, and some might even argue that his shot selection and touch at the line make him a better fit than last season’s transfer standout, AJ Storr.

"In the portal, it's speed dating, you're making fast decisions, and, he showed me things there that was a lot there to work with, and he was willing to learn and listen," Gard said. "He's gotten better, and that's a credit to him. He listens, is very attentive, asks great questions, is really mature, and all of those things help make him the player that he is. It all helps our team, too, because of how mature he is."

Tonje’s 41 points were also the most scored in a win over an AP Top-10 opponent since Kentucky’s Malik Monk dropped 47 against No. 7 North Carolina in 2016. It also marks just the fifth time in Big Ten history that a player has achieved such a feat in a win against a Top-10 team.

This week has been one for the books for Tonje, who also received Big Ten Player of the Week honors, making him the first Wisconsin basketball player to win the award since Johnny Davis in 2022. His emergence as one of the offensive centerpieces for the Badgers has been pivotal as they continue to build momentum early in the season.

Wisconsin basketball will look to ride Tonje’s hot streak into their next matchup on Nov. 22 against UCF at the Greenbrier Tip-Off in West Virginia. 

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