John Tonje Shares Emotional Thoughts After Devastating Wisconsin Loss to BYU

The post-game press conference was an emotional moment. Four individuals were seated at the table, responding to reporters’ questions. Three of them were players: John Blackwell, Steven Crowl, and John Tonje. The final person was Greg Gard, who would conclude the press conference alone. The atmosphere was heavy with disappointment and sorrow. Reporters tried their best to ask questions while being mindful of the sadness surrounding the situation.

While Gard had meaningful and thoughtful comments, one particular question directed at John Tonje led him to reflect deeply on his last game and the final moments that symbolized the entire season. The inquiry was about their comeback attempt, but Tonje’s answer seemed to reveal more about the team’s spirit and the essence of the 2025 Wisconsin Badgers.

John Tonje Reflects on the Final Moments of the BYU Game, Summing Up the Season

“We just believed in each other. We kept fighting, kept motivating one another, reminding each other of what was at stake. I’m proud of the guys for pushing through and giving it everything we had,” Tonje shared.

It was a painful way to close the season, but Tonje’s journey at Wisconsin was truly remarkable. Originally an overlooked player from Colorado State, Tonje transferred to Missouri for his final season, but an injury forced him to return to the transfer portal with a chance to use his “injury eligibility” for one more year as a Badger. He went on to have an incredible season, possibly the best in the Big Ten, earning a spot on the 2nd Team All-American list while averaging over 19 points per game. His career ended with a 37-point performance in a valiant effort that ultimately fell short against BYU, preventing a Sweet 16 appearance.

Though the season ended in disappointment, it was an unforgettable journey, with John Tonje at the heart of it all.