<body><div><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=1zwJw4_0w5n2WOh00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=1zwJw4_0w5n2WOh00" width="1200" height="628" >Madison, WI– This past off-season, Wisconsin made great use of the transfer portal, adding three potential impact players via the portal that can add various skill-sets and experience to the team. Earlier this week, Badger247 caught up with one of those transfers, veteran forward John Tonje, one-on-one.Initially looking back at the recruiting process, what was the staff's message to you and what they felt you could add to this team?"They were honestly looking for somebody that could fit their system, and they let me know that that was me. And, they wanted somebody that would work hard, and just continue to get better every day, and I'm going to try to do everything I can to win."I noticed last week you're already taking on a vocal role on the court, and helping lead the guys. Has that always been something you've tried to show, and what type of pride do you take in that?"Absolutely not. I was never too much of an outspoken guy, I am more of an introvert, but, with experience, I think it speaks volumes when the older guys step up, and just let it be known what they think, and kind of let the younger guys fit in and see what it takes.Being vocal is a huge part of basketball, and just communication… I am really going out of my way to work on it, but it's coming along pretty well."As you've been working on being more vocal, did that come naturally, or were you challenged to add that to what you bring to this roster?"Yeah, a little bit of both. I was for sure coming in here really focused on that, but, also the coaches pulled me aside and told me that's something that is very important to this team. And, for us to get to the highest level that we can, I'm gonna need to step into that role a little bit."For some of the Wisconsin fans that maybe haven't seen as much of your game, what can you bring to this group on the court?"I'm someone who is going to compete, who is going to try to win, get better every game. I want to continue to get better during the season. I don't want…you know, somebody who is going to keep working, and I just love the game. I love the game of basketball, I love getting better, and it is a blessing to be here." A pretty consistent message from Coach Gard and the players so far has been the level of competitiveness at practice. How has that been for you, and how does it push you all on the court, while still being close off the court?"There's always a fine line with that type of thing, you know, competing with guys, and then 10 minutes later we're in the locker room just joking with each other. But, ultimately that's what it takes. We're gonna have to have those hard sessions in practice, and go at each other, and make each other better, because that is what we are here for, and that's what will help us get to some of our goals."Who would be your favorite NBA player to take from their game or just to watch, and why?"Derrick Rose has been my favorite player since I was 10 years old, and I'm loyal so I stick with it to this day. It was a hard day when he retired recently. He's always been my favorite player!"Looking at this season for you with Wisconsin, what are your two biggest goals that you are focusing on?"Individual goal, I just want to be the best player that I can. I just want to continue to grow, and get better throughout the year. It will take care of itself, whatever that may be, but I want to continue to get better, and have confidence throughout. I've been working to play more efficiently, and figuring out where my spots are in this offense.As far as the team, winning a championship, and making a deep run in March Madness is the goal!" Since you arrived on campus, have any players especially stood out with the growth and leaps that they've taken in the last several months?"It's hard to pick one guy, you know. Everybody has been coming in and giving 100% every day. And competing, making each other better. I wish I could choose one, but, I see a lot of guys that have been in the gym, competing and working hard every day, so I think we have all made a lot of jumps."</div></body>

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One-on-one: veteran John Tonje ready to bring high competitiveness, strong experience to Badgers this Winter

Madison, WI– This past off-season, Wisconsin made great use of the transfer portal, adding three potential impact players via the portal that can add various skill-sets and experience to the team. Earlier this week, Badger247 caught up with one of those transfers, veteran forward John Tonje, one-on-one. Initially looking...

One-on-one: veteran John Tonje ready to bring high competitiveness, strong experience to Badgers this Winter

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