Wisconsin Badgers basketball faces a significant challenge in replacing star John Tonje, as the team navigates roster changes.

As the Wisconsin Badgers basketball team prepares for the upcoming season, the program faces a significant challenge that could define their 2025 campaign: replacing the star power of John Tonje. A player who had emerged as one of the team’s key contributors, Tonje’s departure leaves a notable void in Wisconsin’s lineup. With his scoring, leadership, and versatility now missing from the roster, Coach Greg Gard and his staff must navigate these challenges and find new ways to maintain competitiveness in a tough Big Ten Conference.

Tonje’s impact on the team cannot be overstated. As one of the most well-rounded players on the squad, his ability to score in a variety of ways and contribute across the court was vital to Wisconsin’s success. With Tonje now gone, Wisconsin must figure out how to fill the gap he leaves both offensively and defensively. But this isn’t just about replacing the production Tonje provided; it’s about continuing to build a cohesive and dynamic team capable of competing at a high level.

The Legacy of John Tonje

Before we discuss how the Badgers can replace Tonje’s production, it’s important to reflect on just how significant his contributions were during his time at Wisconsin. A versatile player who excelled as both a scorer and a defender, Tonje quickly became one of the cornerstones of the team. His scoring ability, particularly in clutch moments, allowed the Badgers to compete against some of the toughest teams in the Big Ten. Whether he was driving to the basket, hitting outside shots, or playing tough defense, Tonje’s skill set made him one of the most complete players on the roster.

Tonje’s importance went beyond just the stat sheet, however. His leadership and veteran presence provided stability for a team that, like most programs in the Big Ten, often dealt with roster turnover and injury issues. His maturity and experience were critical assets in high-pressure situations, and his ability to step up when the team needed him most became one of the defining characteristics of Wisconsin’s play during his tenure.

For Wisconsin, losing a player of Tonje’s caliber creates an enormous challenge, especially when it comes to maintaining the same level of offensive and defensive productivity. Wisconsin isn’t a program that reloads with top-tier talent year after year, so replacing a player like Tonje requires thoughtful strategy, player development, and an adjustment to team dynamics.

The Immediate Impact of Tonje’s Departure

John Tonje’s departure creates a gap in several key areas for the Badgers, most notably in scoring and leadership. As one of the team’s top scorers, Tonje was a reliable offensive threat for Wisconsin, capable of scoring both inside and from the perimeter. He could create his own shot off the dribble, drive to the basket, and knock down key three-pointers when necessary. These qualities made him a versatile offensive weapon who could keep opposing defenses on their toes.

Now, with Tonje no longer in the lineup, Wisconsin must find a way to replace his scoring production. His departure places additional pressure on other players to step up, particularly those who may not have had the same offensive load in previous seasons. Coach Gard will need to identify players who can handle increased responsibility and continue to provide offensive consistency. It will likely fall on returning players to fill the void left by Tonje, but the program may also need to rely on new recruits or transfers to step into more prominent roles.

Defensively, Tonje was also a key contributor for the Badgers. Known for his ability to guard multiple positions and contribute to Wisconsin’s team defense, Tonje’s presence on the floor allowed the Badgers to be more flexible in their defensive schemes. His departure now forces Wisconsin to find other players who can step up and match his defensive intensity. For a team that has built its reputation on defense, this presents a unique challenge that could have serious implications on the Badgers’ ability to contend in the Big Ten.

Replacing Tonje’s Scoring: Who Will Step Up?

Replacing the scoring production of a player like John Tonje is never easy. For the Badgers, this task will likely fall on a combination of returning players and potentially newcomers who can immediately contribute. There are several candidates on the roster who could rise to the occasion and take on an expanded role, but each will bring their own strengths and challenges.

1. Tyler Wahl – The Senior Leader

As one of the most experienced players on the team, Tyler Wahl will likely be asked to step into a bigger leadership role following Tonje’s departure. Wahl, a forward with a diverse skill set, has shown that he can be effective both offensively and defensively. While he has been a reliable contributor for Wisconsin throughout his career, he will now need to shoulder more of the scoring load. Wahl is known for his physicality and ability to finish in the paint, but if he can expand his range and become a more consistent outside shooter, he could provide the offensive firepower that Wisconsin needs to replace Tonje.

2. Chucky Hepburn – The Point Guard of the Future

Chucky Hepburn, the Badgers’ point guard, has also shown promise and could be a key player in filling the gap left by Tonje. Hepburn has shown the ability to score in various ways, whether it’s driving to the basket or hitting mid-range jump shots. However, his playmaking abilities are what set him apart as a true point guard. Hepburn will need to become even more of a focal point for the offense, both in terms of creating his own scoring opportunities and facilitating for his teammates. If Hepburn can continue to develop as a scorer and floor general, he could be a critical part of Wisconsin’s effort to replace Tonje’s offensive contributions.

3. Jordan Davis – The Shooter

Jordan Davis, a guard who has shown flashes of shooting ability, could also be a player to watch as Wisconsin looks to replace Tonje’s scoring. Davis has the potential to stretch the floor and knock down three-pointers, making him a valuable asset in an offense that often relies on outside shooting. With Tonje’s departure, Davis may see more opportunities to contribute offensively. If he can develop more consistency in his shooting and provide scoring off the bench or in a starting role, Davis could help fill the void left by Tonje’s absence.

4. Freshman or Transfer Additions

While the returnees will play a major role in replacing Tonje, Coach Gard may also look to new faces to step in and provide scoring. Whether through freshman recruits or players added via the transfer portal, new talent could play a crucial role in Wisconsin’s offensive system. A highly-rated freshman or a seasoned transfer who can contribute immediately might be exactly what Wisconsin needs to replace the production of a player like Tonje. Coach Gard has a history of successfully integrating new players into the system, so it will be important to watch how these newcomers develop and adapt to the demands of Big Ten basketball.

Defensive Adjustments: Filling Tonje’s Shoes

While the offensive void left by Tonje is undeniable, the Badgers will also need to adjust their defensive approach. Tonje was known for his ability to guard multiple positions, contributing to Wisconsin’s reputation for tough, physical defense. Replacing that level of versatility is a key priority for Coach Gard and his staff.

To fill the defensive gap, Wisconsin will need players who can step up in multiple roles. Wahl, as a strong and versatile defender, could play a larger role in guarding more perimeter-oriented players, while Hepburn’s quickness could make him a vital asset on the ball. Additionally, players like Davis, who have the athleticism to guard multiple positions, will need to take on more responsibility defensively. The Badgers will also likely need to rely on their depth, rotating players who can contribute to the defensive system.

The Coaching Staff’s Role in Adjustments

As important as the players are, Coach Greg Gard and his staff will play a significant role in ensuring that the team remains competitive without Tonje. Gard has been known for his ability to adapt to his personnel, and this season will require that same flexibility. The key will be balancing the development of younger players while still maintaining the team’s focus on defensive discipline and smart offensive execution.

Gard may also need to tweak his offensive system to better suit the current roster. With Tonje’s departure, Wisconsin may need to rely more heavily on a balanced attack, incorporating more movement, ball screens, and off-the-ball actions to generate open shots. Additionally, Wisconsin may have to embrace a more up-tempo style at times to generate easy scoring opportunities, especially if they can take advantage of their athleticism in transition.