Wisconsin transfer addition John Tonje sets program record in win over Holy Cross

Wisconsin transfer addition John Tonje sets program record in win over Holy Cross

This story was updated to add new information.

Missouri transfer wing John Tonje headlined Wisconsin basketball’s season-opening win over Holy Cross on Monday.

The sixth-year senior led the team with 23 points and five rebounds on six of 11 shooting, three of six from three-point range and a perfect eight-for-eight from the free throw line. His offense was a key catalyst for the Badgers overcoming an early deficit and finishing with a 24-point win.

Related: Biggest takeaways from Wisconsin basketball’s opening win over Holy Cross

For further context on Tonje’s impact, his 23 points are the most for a Badger in his Wisconsin debut since at least 2000, according to official word from the program.

The total surpasses Josh Gasser’s debut as a freshman in 2010 (21 points). Compared to other recent transfer additions, Tonje’s total of 23 points bests A.J. Storr’s 15 in the 2023-24 opener and Micah Potter’s 12 to begin 2019-20.

Tonje’s emergence has a versatile offensive weapon is significant news for a Wisconsin team looking to replace the wing production of Storr, who transferred to Kansas this offseason. The Missouri transfer already looks like an impact addition for Greg Gard and his staff as the Badgers enter a critical 2024-25 season.

Tonje will lead Wisconsin back on the court on Thursday for a home matchup with Montana State.

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