What a week it has been for Wisconsin Badgers hoops. While Greg Gard and Co. suffered a huge scare on Monday night against Texas-Rio Grande Valley, escaping with an 87-84 win, things were no question highlighted by the upset 103-88 win over then No. 9 Arizona last Friday night.
The Kohl Center was packed, including Bo Ryan and fellow Final Four Wisconsin legends to watch John Tonje and Co. put on a show. Tonje looked unreal, pouring in 41 points on the night. He came so close to breaking Frank Kaminsky's 43-point single-game record.
Tonje, a transfer, has been unreal this year and the rest of the country is taking notice. On Tuesday, Tonje received even more good news, with it being announced that he has been named the AP National Player of the Week. Boom:
Wisconsin's John Tonje is the AP national player of the week in men’s college hoops. He dropped 41 points vs. No. 17 Arizona, just 2 shy of the school record, and is averaging 23.5 points this season. https://t.co/DWcm3Wt2SP pic.twitter.com/qj1NdHzMgB
— AP Top 25 (@AP_Top25) November 19, 2024
Wisconsin's John Tonje has been named the AP National Player of the Week
It should be no surprise that Tonje has captured this highest honor. Not many people thought Wisconsin would be able to take down Arizona. However, Tonje looked sensational with the ball in his hands, while the Badgers gave All-American Caleb Love all sorts of issues too.
In the 15-point victory, Tonje was 8-of-14 from the floor and a mind-boggling 21-of-22 from the free-throw line. Whenever Gard needed someone to step up for him and deliver with a big play or shot, Tonje was there to answer the call. He's been brilliant for the Badgers and a main reason this team is 5-0.
Thus far this fall, the 6-5 senior is averaging 22.6 points and five rebounds per contest. Following the win over Arizona, the Badgers are now the No. 19 team in the country and they're only getting started. It could be a season to remember for this team and Tonje is going to play a massive role in their success the rest of the way.