The Utah Jazz closed out their 2025 NBA draft run by picking John Tonje with the 53rd overall selection during the second round of the draft on Thursday night.
The selection was a bit of a surprise because Tonje was projected to be an early second-round pick, so the Jazz didn’t expect for him to be available at 53.
The Jazz front office had been keeping a close eye on Tonje all year, and then when Austin Ainge was named president of basketball operations, the rest of the staff was pleased to learn that he was also a Tonje fan.
“We were definitely surprised,” Jazz vice president of player development Avery Bradley said. “We were happy we had our opportunity to pick him.
“He was someone that we were very high on all year and Austin was high on him as well, so for him to be available at that point in the draft, we were excited about it.”
Tonje played six years in college — four seasons at Colorado State, one season at Missouri and last season at Wisconsin. He was granted an extra year of eligibility because of COVID-19 while at Colorado State and then an extra year after a medical redshirt season was granted for his season at Missouri in which his time was cut short by a foot injury.
Last season at Wisconsin, the 6-foot-5, 218-pound Tonje averaged 19.6 points on 46.5% shooting overall, 38.8% from 3-point range and 90.9% from the free-throw line. He also added 5.3 rebounds per game.
Though his age (he turned 24 in April) is likely one of the reasons he fell in the draft, the Jazz are hopeful that having a couple of players from the draft who spent more time in college will help in the way of leadership with their young group.
“I think just with time, I’ve experienced more adversity,” Tonje said. “I know how to handle things, and I know it’s going to be tough, and it’s going to be a road, but it’s something that I’m willing to take on.
“I’ve learned a lot of lessons, and I’ve got a lot to learn as well. I’m just as curious as some of the younger guys in the draft, and I’m super, super eager to get to work.”
Tonje spent draft night with his family and close friends at home in Omaha, Nebraska, and said he doesn’t have any previous connections or ties to the players or coaching staff in Utah but that he’s excited to get to Salt Lake City and start building.
The Jazz had two first-round picks on Wednesday night — No. 5 overall pick Ace Bailey, and Walter Clayton Jr., whom the Jazz traded up to select 18th overall.