The NBA Combine starts today, and for NBA hopefuls like John Tonje, it's a dream come true. Today is mostly measurements and behind-the-scenes stuff, and tomorrow is when the real action begins with drills and scrimmages. It was announced today that Tonje will be participating in part of the 5-on-5 drills before NBA scouts, and it will be watchable for the average fan.
NBA Draft Combine 5x5 rosters are out. Scrimmages start Wednesday on ESPN.
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) May 12, 2025
Top 10 prospects playing 5x5 (ESPN Top 100)
Yaxel Lendeborg
Maxime Raynaud
Tahaad Pettiford
Alex Toohey
Milos Uzan
Boogie Fland
Kam Jones
Darrion Williams
John Tonje
Michael Ruzic
Projected 2nd rounders… pic.twitter.com/NPq92YujoL
How can I watch the NBA Draft Combine?
Who: John Tonje in the NBA Draft Combine
When: 1 pm CT on Wednesday, May 14, and Thursday, May 15
Where: Wintrust Arena in Chicago
TV: ESPN2 (Wednesday only)
Streaming: Wednesday link - ESPN+ (Watch ESPN) Thursday link - ESPN+ (Watch ESPN)
John Tonje will be on Team Domercant with nine other NBA Draft hopefuls. There are four teams of 10 players that will each have opportunities to scrimmage the others. The other notable players on Tonje's team are Yaxel Lendeborg and Boogie Fland from Arkansas.
While there will be other parts of the NBA Draft Combine that will be available to watch, the most interesting part will be the scrimmages. This will give scouts a chance to see how players perform in live action against other NBA combine-level talent. Tonje has no eligibility left so he is not trying to decide if the NBA is the right move right now like others, he is trying to improve his draft stock. He knows that he really only has one year of stats to show scouts.
According to ESPN here's what to expect when you watch the NBA Draft Combine:
"The draft combine and Elite Camp, held at Wintrust Arena, will put players through drills, measurements, athletic testing, medical examinations, team interviews and 5-on-5 scrimmaging.ESPN.com
The combine offers an opportunity for players to improve their draft standing in front of hundreds of NBA executives, coaches, owners and agents. The combine is often described as the unofficial start of free agency, as teams lay the groundwork for deals that could be announced once the window opens June 30 at 6 p.m. ET."
Though the main thing Wisconsin fans will be watching is John Tonje.