Badger basketball star earns biggest accolade yet

The Associated Press announced their All-America rosters on Tuesday, and a Badger made the list for the first time since 2022.

John Tonje continues to stack accolades with AP All-America Second Team

Wisconsin star John Tonje was named to the Second Team for the 2024-2025 season. He is the 24th Badger to ever earn an All-American honor. The transfer has averaged 19.2 points per game, 5.2 rebounds and 1.8 assists on 46% shooting, including an incredible 91% from the free throw line. He has five games this season over 30 points, including his 41-point outburst against Arizona in November.

Tonje is the first Badger to earn All-American recognition since 2022, when Johnny Davis received the honor. Since transferring to Wisconsin from Missouri, Tonje has been an absolute force for the Badgers, scoring at an extremely efficient rate. He also has 50 more free throws made than the next closest player in the entire country.

Tonje has found himself on several award watchlists, including the Wooden Award, which is awarded to the best player in college basketball each season, and now adds All-American to the growing list of accolades. Despite only playing for the Badgers for season, Tonje has already cemented himself as one of the greats and a fan-favorite.

Along with Tonje in the second team are Marquette's Kam Jones, Texas Tech's JT Toppin, Memphis' PJ Haggerty and St. John's RJ Luis Jr.

Hopefully Tonje can continue his electric play when Wisconsin plays Montana on Thursday in their first action of the NCAA Tournament.