Missouri transfer wing John Tonje takes over as coach of Wisconsin basketball team Season-opening win against Holy Cross On Monday.

The sixth-year senior led the team with 23 points and five rebounds on six of 11 shooting, going three-of-six from three-point range and a perfect eight-for-eight from the free throw line. His offense was a major catalyst for the Badgers. close the gap early and we finished with a 24 point victory.

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

To give more insight into Tonje’s impact, his 23 points in his first game at Wisconsin are the most for a Badger since at least 2000, according to the program’s official release.

Transferring as a veteran player gives him an advantage over program greats who first joined as freshmen. But compared to other recent signings, Tonje’s 23 point total surpasses AJ Storr’s 15 points in the 2023-24 opener and Micah Potter’s 12 points in 2019-20.

The fact that Tonje has a versatile offensive weapon is important news for the Wisconsin team, which is looking to replace the wing production of Storr, who transferred to Kansas this summer. Missouri transfer already looks like an effect addition As the Badgers enter a critical 2024-25 season for Greg Gard and his staff.

Tonje will lead Wisconsin back onto the field for its home matchup against Montana State on Thursday.

Contact/Follow @TheBadgersWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page Facebook Keeping up with ongoing Wisconsin Badgers news, notes and views.