John Tonje has had nothing short of an extraordinary season with the Wisconsin Badgers men’s basketball team (21-5) that has landed him on two major midseason award lists.
The 6-foot-2 guard has been named Big Ten Player of the Week three times this season while also helping the Badgers win crucial games. He has proven that he is clutch and consistent as he has been the difference-maker in many games this season. As a sixth-year transfer, Tonje has become a leader for the younger guys, averaging 19.2 points per game, and has one of the best free throw percentages in college basketball.
The Badgers have seen immense success this season, and they are projected to be a No. 3 seed for the NCAA Tournament in March. This success would not be possible without Tonje’s efforts, which is why he is already a name to watch for in two major awards.
Tonje was named to the Oscar Robertson Trophy Midseason Watch List alongside 49 other Division I men’s basketball players on Feb. 3. This trophy, which has been around since 1959, is awarded to the best player in the nation and will be handed out at the NCAA Men's Final Four.
The last Badger to win this award was Frank Kaminsky in 2015 when he led the Badgers to the NCAA finals game. Tonje has shown he is fit to win this award, recording 63 points on his own in just two games.
Three days after Tonje was named to the watchlist, he was also named to the Naismith Men’s Player of the Year Midseason Team for the first time in his career. This is yet another honor named after a legendary basketball player that recognizes the top players in the country. Tonje’s name was added to the list after the Badgers’ big win against Purdue, where Tonje had 22 points in the second half alone.
The Badgers are on a five-game win streak, and Tonje has certainly been a huge contributing factor to these wins. He has had back-to-back 30-point games and helped beat Big Ten rivals like Illinois.
Tonje and the Badgers will return to the Kohl Center on Saturday to take on the Oregon Ducks.
