John Tonje making adjustments to elevate the Wisconsin basketball offense
Wisconsin Badgers guard John Tonje's production surprised teams early in the season, but he has been forced to make adjustments down the stretch.
John Tonje’s lone season with the Wisconsin men's basketball program has been a story of peaks, valleys, and ultimately, adaptation.
The Nebraska native has adjusted to a new program, a new head coach, and a roster that welcomed eight newcomers this offseason—all while embracing his role as a veteran leader and primary scoring option.
Through 21 games, the 6-foot-5 grad transfer is sixth in the Big Ten in scoring, averaging 18.2 points per game while also contributing 4.9 rebounds and 1.7 assists a contest on 47.1% shooting from the field, 41.1% from three and an elite 92.6% from the free-throw line.
Tonje has reached double figures in 19 of 21 games, scoring 15 or more points in 14 of those outings. His aggressive style has led to 6.4 free-throw attempts per game, with 125 makes—fifth-most in the country—proving to be a consistent offensive weapon for Wisconsin.
But those numbers don’t tell the full story.
His early-season performances put the Big Ten on notice. Tonje erupted for 41 points against Arizona, went for 33 against Pitt, and consistently attacked the rim, earning frequent trips to the free-throw line. His ability to generate offense in a myriad of ways made Tonje a tough player for opposing teams to defend, as he tallied double-digit free throw attempts in several games while maintaining his elite efficiency from the stripe.
However, as opponents adjusted, Tonje's efficiency dipped.
There was a stretch where defenses started loading up on him, forcing tough shots and limiting his effectiveness. Against USC on Jan. 18, Tonje failed to score in 22 minutes, a stark contrast from his early-season run.
As Tonje became a focal point on scouting reports, defenses adjusted—cutting off driving lanes and forcing tougher shots. That shift was evident against Illinois, Marquette, and Butler, where he shot just 33.3%, 27.3%, and 25.0% from the field. With opponents keying in, the once-free-flowing offense that ran through Tonje now required a curveball.
Greg Gard took note of the change in how teams defended him and credited Tonje for making the necessary adjustments.
“First of all, he's played off two feet better," Gard told reporters. But it makes life easier for him when we're really moving the ball. The other four guys really moving the ball around lets it come to him. Let the offense work for you, and it'll find you. If you're moving or cutting, the ball finds energy, and the ball finds people who are in the right spots.
"So, just continue to play the game the right way.”
His bounce-back performances against UCLA (24 points on 88.9% FG), Nebraska (27 points on 47.4% FG), and Maryland (23 points on 50% FG) showcased that refined approach—moving without the ball, picking his spots to generate offense, and continuing to get to the line effectively.
"Teams are going to gameplan against me, and I'm up for the challenge," Tonje said. "I love to show up here every day and compete."
Tonje’s hot streak is a credit to his ability to adapt. By moving without the ball, trusting the system, and playing within himself, he’s back to being the efficient scoring threat Wisconsin needs to stay in the hunt for a high NCAA Tournament seed and finish strong in Big Ten play.
And if his recent performances are any indication, he’s found the blueprint to sustain his success.
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