Throughout the 2024-25 season, Babcock Hoops will provide comprehensive scouting reports on top 2025 NBA Draft prospects, analyzing their strengths, questions, and potential at the next level. Our reports offer an in-depth look at each player's development and draft outlook.
John Tonje
Position:Â Guard/Forward
College:Â Wisconsin
Class:Â Senior
Height/Weight:Â 6'10", 225 lbs
Birthdate:Â April 23, 2001
Previous Colleges: Colorado State, Missouri
Player Overview
John Tonje is an offensive-minded wing with a proven ability to score at all three levels. He is a confident shooter, excelling off the dribble and in catch-and-shoot situations. Tonje aggressively hunts shots, utilizing off-ball movement, screens, and transition opportunities to get clean looks. His strength as a driver allows him to finish through contact, though his lack of elite athleticism raises concerns about his effectiveness against NBA-level defenders.
Defensively, Tonje is a capable on-ball defender, using his strong frame, active hands, and lateral quickness to cut off driving lanes. However, his off-ball defense remains a work in progress, as he can get caught watching the ball and lose his man on cuts and screens. His passing ability has improved, but he must refine his decision-making to enhance his offensive versatility. If he continues to expand his playmaking skills and tightens up his off-ball defense, he has the tools to carve out a role as a three-and-D wing at the next level.
"Tonje's shot-making and scoring ability stand out, and he’s certainly helped himself with his stellar play. He's been terrific while at Wisconsin." — Matt Babcock, NBA Draft Analyst
Strengths
Three-Level Scorer:Â Confident shooter with clean mechanics on set shots and pull-ups.
Strong Driver:Â Uses physicality to finish through contact at the rim.
Effective On-Ball Defender:Â Utilizes quick feet and strong frame to cut off driving lanes.
Free Throw Generator:Â Draws fouls consistently with aggressive drives.
Rebounding for Position:Â Strong on the glass for a guard/wing.
Improving Passing Feel:Â Shows signs of better decision-making in traffic.
Concerns
Below-the-Rim Finisher:Â Lacks elite athleticism, which may limit his ability to finish against NBA shot-blockers.
Forces Tough Jumpers:Â Can settle for contested shots instead of making the extra pass.
Off-Ball Defensive Awareness:Â Can get lost on screens and cuts, leading to breakdowns.
Passing Versatility: Still developing as a playmaker—needs to expand his ability to create for others.
Questions
Can he defend well enough to serve as a reliable three-and-D wing?
How much would improved passing and playmaking raise his ceiling?
Will his strength-based driving translate against bigger, more athletic NBA defenders?
Bottom Line
John Tonje is a physically strong, confident scorer who can create offense in various ways. His ability to knock down shots from deep and finish through contact makes him an intriguing offensive piece. However, his off-ball defensive consistency and lack of elite athleticism raise concerns about his ability to reach the next level. If he refines his defensive awareness and passing ability, he could become a valuable three-and-D wing option in the NBA.