Wisconsin basketball star John Tonje sends departing message to Badger fanbase

Wisconsin basketball's 2024-25 season can't be adequately discussed or analyzed without significant focus on John Tonje's out-of-nowhere emergence and all-time great run.

Tonje, an unheralded transfer recruit, joined the Badgers after an injury-riddled year at Missouri. He had previously averaged nearly 15 points as a senior at Colorado State in 2022-23. But when he committed to Wisconsin last May, nobody's wildest expectations could have accurately forecasted what was to come.

The sixth-year veteran burst onto the scene from the season's first game. He led a resurgent Wisconsin offense, scoring 19.6 points per game on 46.5% shooting, 39% from three and 91% from the free-throw line. He finished the season with 724 total points, just eight shy of the program's single-season record.

Most notably, Tonje's resume includes a 41-point showing in the Badgers' November win over Arizona, 33 in a triumph over Pittsburgh, 32 and 31 in defining back-to-back wins over Purdue and Illinois, respectively, 32 against Michigan State in the Big Ten Tournament and, finally, a program NCAA Tournament record 37 in the team's season-ending loss to BYU.

His play always seemed to meet the moment. Those mentioned top performances were in all of Wisconsin's biggest games of the season.

The First-Team All-Big Ten and Second-Team All-American wing took to Instagram on Monday to send a message to the Wisconsin fan base, after what he describes as a life-changing year.

"Thank you Wisconsin," Tonje wrote. "God blessed me beyond belief with this life-changing experience. It has truly been an honor and dream come true to represent Wisconsin. The family, experiences, lessons, and memories I have developed here in Madison are ones I will never forget and run way deeper than just basketball. I’m forever in debt to my teammates, coaches, and supporters, who made this year so special!! Love yall!! #9 out."

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A post shared by John Tonje (@johntonje)

While Wisconsin fell short against a strong BYU team in the NCAA Tournament round of 32, Tonje headlines what should be considered a successful season. Greg Gard needed to find a spark after leading contributors A.J. Storr and Chucky Hepburn entered the transfer portal after the 2023-24 campaign. Tonje delivered that and then some, aiding Gard's efforts to revolutionize the program's approach.

There now is a realistic scenario where the 2024-25 season springboards a multi-year run of success. That is due to two primary factors. First, Tonje's emergence furthers its status as a clear destination for talented wing scorers -- both transfers and high school recruits. Second, Wisconsin has now built an overall offensive infrastructure to attract top talent across the lineup.

While Tonje won't be there to lead future teams, the impact of his 2024-25 season could have significant long-term ramifications.

The Wisconsin star will now likely enter the NBA draft and begin his professional career. As of March 25, he isn't projected to be selected in the draft's two rounds. That status can still change with a strong performance in pre-draft workouts and showcases.

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This article originally appeared on Badgers Wire: Wisconsin basketball John Tonje final message to Badger fans

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Wisconsin basketball star John Tonje sends departing message to Badger fanbase

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