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MADISON – John Tonje comes to Wisconsin with experience and perhaps versatility that is unmatched on the roster.
The 6-foot-5 guard comes to the Badgers men’s basketball team after one season at Missouri, where a foot injury sidelined him after eight games. Before that he spent four seasons at Colorado State, where he played in 122 games, scored 1,051 points and helped the Rams reach the NCAA Tournament in 2022.
As a career 37.2% three-point shooter, Tonje has the potential to help the Badgers spread the floor while being able to defend everything but the center position.
On Sunday fans got their first look at Tonje during the Red-White scrimmage at the Kohl Center. He overcame illness to score team-high 12 points for the White, hitting 3 of 7 shots and 2 of 4 three-pointers, while also showing his versatility as a defender.
Tonje spoke with reporters after practice Tuesday.
Q. Greg Gard mentioned Sunday that you were ill. What was the deal?
Tonje: We’re thinking food poisoning. I didn’t feel too hot, but I wanted to get out there. I needed some film to look over and just get out there and play and see how it looks and see what we can get better at and just fight through. But I was able to go out there and compete and I was happy with that.
Q. How do you feel you can impact the team this year?
Tonje: I think I can bring some experience and just someone who is ready to battle day in, day out. I know it’s not going to be perfect every day, but I’m someone that wants to get better each day and that’s what I signed up for.
Q. What did you take from the film of Sunday’s scrimmage?
Tonje: I think it was good. I think it was specific things we need to clean up a little bit. For the most part it was good. We went out there and competed, had some fun. It was good to see the fans in the building as well, get the atmosphere going a little bit. It was a good experience.
Q. Where do you think you have to improve as a team?
Tonje: Just some of the regular things teams around the country are facing right now with the turnovers and getting to know the new guys. Everyone just getting comfortble with each other, just meshing and making sure we’re getting closer to our final form.
Q. What has been the most challenging part of your transition to UW?
Tonje: It’s hard to say. Day by day we’re getting better. One thing I do focus on is getting to know my teammates and getting to know their strengths and weaknesses. I think coming in here and not really knowing the guys around you and how they play and what their certain look is and what’s their best shot is, so I think getting to know each other on and off the court.
Q. Did you learn anything from your experience at Missouri about blending with a new team?
Tonje: I definitely learned a lot. One of those things is that every single day matters, just with the nature of the game and having one year here I have to take in as much as I can each day and be present. And if there is something I can do off the court, if there is an event we can go to and go hang out and get some bonding time, then that is crucial. That is one of those things that I learned.
Q. How have the veterans helped your transition?
Tonje: They’ve been huge. Super helpful. They kind of scoot over a little bit a let me lead and help me learn how to lead, help me learn what the culture is and things like that. They’ve been tremendous.
Q. Where is your conditioning after not playing much last season?
Tonje: I’m feeling great right now. We’ve stil got some area to cover, me and as a team, but that is what this time is for and we’re focused.
Q. Where do you fit best as a defender?
Tonje: I would like to say I can guard 3s, 4s, 2s, 1s, whatever. I just want to get out there and compete.
