Holy Cross basketball head coach Dave Paulsen praised John Tonje’s 23-point night after Wisconsin’s 85-61 win over the Crusaders on Monday night.
Tonje’s 23 points were the most by a Badger in their debut since at least 2000, surpassing Josh Gasser’s 21-point debut in 2010. He also chipped in with five rebounds and shot a perfect 8-8 mark from the foul line.
Holy Cross’ staff certainly appeared to have scouted the first-year Wisconsin playmakers ahead of the season opener on Monday. Here’s what Paulsen had to say about Tonje’s impact on UW’s unit:
“I think he was super aggressive in their two preseason contests,” Paulsen said after the game. “It seems like he’s got a pretty unshakable level of confidence, which you need to have to be a really good player. Without knowing the ins and outs of their team, he gives them that dynamic scoring presence that I think they need.”
John Tonje (Mizzou➡️Wisconsin) begins 24-25 with a great performance against Holy Cross:
23 points
4 rebounds
6-11 FG
8-8 FT pic.twitter.com/CbEVvTdQfs— The Portal Report (@ThePortalReport) November 5, 2024
Tonje arrived in Madison following a redshirt season at Missouri in 2023-24. After commanding a bulk of Wisconsin’s workload in just under 27 minutes vs. the Crusaders, it’s safe to assume the North Omaha, Nebraska, native will morph into a staple for head coach Greg Gard for the remainder of this season.
UW’s next game is slated for Nov. 9 against Montana State.