For the first time in years, Wisconsin basketball fans have their eyes glued to the NBA Draft process. The spotlight is on two Badger standouts—John Tonje and John Blackwell—who have declared for the 2025 NBA Draft. While Tonje is fully committed to the draft, Blackwell has maintained his college eligibility, leaving his future up in the air. As we approach the draft date, the fate of these players will be shaped by their performance in the predraft process and the feedback they get from NBA teams.
Let’s break down where Tonje and Blackwell stand in the latest NBA mock draft and how their decisions could impact Wisconsin basketball going forward.
John Tonje’s Surge into NBA Draft Projections
Tonje’s Breakout Year at Wisconsin
John Tonje’s journey to the NBA Draft has been a winding road, but his All-American season in 2024-25 has thrust him firmly into the draft conversation. After averaging 19.6 points and 5.3 rebounds per game, Tonje has proven that he can be a top-tier player at the college level. His impressive performance for Wisconsin’s Badgers has made him one of the more intriguing second-round prospects.
Tonje wasn’t even on most NBA scouts’ radars when he first started his college career at Colorado State. However, after a breakout senior season in 2022-23, he began to catch the attention of NBA scouts. A significant injury in the 2023-24 season at Missouri hindered his development and tempered expectations, but once he was able to transfer to Wisconsin, Tonje showed that he had the skills to thrive at the Big Ten level.
Where Does Tonje Stand in the NBA Mock Draft?
As of the latest updates to NBA mock drafts, Tonje is consistently projected to be selected in the second round. The Athletic’s most recent two-round mock draft has Tonje going No. 41 overall to the Golden State Warriors. This pick would be a solid selection for a team like Golden State, who can develop players over time and benefit from Tonje’s scoring ability and versatility.
The second round is often where NBA teams take risks on players with upside, and Tonje’s strong college production makes him an attractive option. Although he may not be a first-round pick, Tonje’s all-around skill set gives him the potential to make an impact at the next level. As the draft process continues, teams will be keeping an eye on his workouts and interviews, which could help solidify his position in the second round.
John Blackwell’s NBA Draft Decision
Blackwell’s Potential and Wisconsin’s Future
John Blackwell’s future is less clear than Tonje’s. The 2025 NBA Draft could have a significant impact on the Wisconsin Badgers’ 2025-26 season. Blackwell has entered his name into the draft while keeping his college eligibility intact. This means he still has time to decide whether he will stay in the draft or return to Wisconsin for another season.
The 6-foot-5 guard had a solid season for the Badgers, and many believe he could develop into a key player at the NBA level. However, Blackwell’s position in the draft process will largely depend on how he performs in the next few weeks. If he rises in the rankings, it could force his hand to stay in the draft, but if his stock doesn’t increase, he could return to Wisconsin for another year of college basketball.
Where Does Blackwell Stand in NBA Mock Drafts?
As of now, Blackwell is not listed in The Athletic’s most recent NBA mock draft. This is an important detail for Wisconsin fans, as it suggests Blackwell has not made a significant enough jump in the draft rankings to justify an early exit. While six weeks remain before Blackwell’s decision deadline, the fact that he’s not yet a consensus pick in mock drafts means there’s a strong chance he may return to Wisconsin for one more season.
Blackwell’s standing in NBA mock drafts is a key indicator for his future. If he can impress scouts with strong workouts and a positive predraft process, he could make a leap into the second round or even the first round. However, unless that happens, it seems likely that Blackwell will opt to return to Wisconsin, where he can further develop his skills and improve his draft stock for the following year.
The Importance of NBA Mock Drafts for Wisconsin’s Future
Tonje’s Draft Journey and Badgers’ Hopes
While Tonje is already firmly in the NBA Draft picture, Blackwell’s future will be the determining factor for the Badgers’ success in the 2025-26 season. If Blackwell decides to return to Wisconsin, it will give the team a major boost heading into the next season. His decision could shape Wisconsin’s lineup and their chances of being competitive in the Big Ten and beyond.
For Badger fans, following NBA mock drafts over the next few weeks will be crucial. As more teams provide their feedback to Blackwell and Tonje, we will get a clearer picture of where these two stars will land in the draft. With the 2025 NBA Draft scheduled for June 25, Wisconsin basketball fans are eagerly awaiting to see if these players will make the leap to the NBA or return for another year of college ball.
Conclusion: What’s Next for Tonje and Blackwell?
The next few weeks will be critical for both John Tonje and John Blackwell. Tonje has already proven he can play at the NBA level, and it’s likely that he will be selected in the second round of the draft. Meanwhile, Blackwell is still on the fence, and his decision will ultimately depend on how he performs during the predraft process. With so much at stake, fans will be watching closely to see what happens with these two Wisconsin stars as the 2025 NBA Draft approaches.
For Wisconsin, Tonje’s status seems to be solidifying, while Blackwell’s fate remains uncertain. As the June 15 deadline approaches, the draft boards will continue to evolve, and the Badgers’ future could hinge on whether Blackwell chooses to return to college or stay in the draft. Stay tuned for updates as the NBA Draft process unfolds.