On Thursday, the Utah Jazz selected the North Omaha, Nebraska, native with the 53rd overall pick of the draft. After six years of collegiate basketball with three different programs, Tonje becomes the first Badger to be drafted since 2022, joining lottery pick and former Big Ten Player of the Year Johnny Davis.

Wisconsin standout John Tonje was selected at No. 53 by the Utah Jazz in the 2025 NBA draft on June 26. The Badgers' senior earned him consensus second-team All-American honors, which helped his draft prospects despite being an older prospect after playing six collegiate seasons.