Badgers’ star makes Naismith Midseason Team as historic season continues
Wisconsin star John Tonje has another award to add to his already impressive resume since joining the Badgers. After earning a watchlist nomination for the Oscar Robertson Trophy, he now has made the Naismith Midseason Team.
John Tonje’s historic season continues to earn national recognition
The Naismith Award is given to the best player in college basketball each season. Wisconsin has had one winner, in 2015, when Frank Kaminsky took home the hardware. Now Tonje has a chance to become the second Badger to win the prestigious award after a great first half to the year. He is one of 30 players to make the Naismith Midseason team before a winner is chosen at the end of the season.
So far this year, Tonje is averaging 18.6 points, 4.8 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game, which are all career-highs. He’s been extremely efficient doing it too, shooting 40% from three and 91% from the charity stripe. Tonje has become an offensive juggernaut for Wisconsin with nine games over 20 points, including a 41-point performance against the then ninth-ranked Arizona Wildcats. He’s been one of the best transfers in college basketball, and has the Badgers sitting fourth in the Big Ten after being predicted to finish 12th in the preseason.
Along with Tonje, former Badger and Louisville transfer Chucky Hepburn, who has enjoyed a great season so far with the Cardinals, made the team as well. The winner of the Naismith Player of the Year award will be announced on April 6th.
