The Badgers arguably had the best transfer in the nation last season. Who could step up in 2025?
The Wisconsin Badgers were quite busy in the transfer portal this offseason, quickly identifying players that fit their needs, revamping their rotation for the 2025 season.
The Badgers had quite the shift last year, becoming one of the most potent offenses in the country thanks to the emergence of star guard John Tonje, who was an All-American second-teamer this season.
Tonje, who transferred in from Missouri, was one of the most efficient scorers in college basketball, thanks to his three-way ability and high rate at the free throw line. But, he wasn’t expected to have nearly as good of a season as he did, initially coming in as an unranked transfer according to 247Sports.
His presence helped Wisconsin to a 27-win season, while the star put up several marquee performances in some of the biggest matchups of the year.
Tonje and five other seniors departed the program this spring, creating a clear need for experience, starting-level talent, and depth.
That prompted Wisconsin to bring in San Diego State guard Nick Boyd, Virginia wing Andrew Rohde, Portland forward Austin Rapp, Tulsa guard Braeden Carrington, and Lithuanian forward Aleksas Bieliauskas.
Of the group, could there be another Tonje-type player for the Badgers in 2025?
Boyd stands out as the lead player of the transfer group, and he could immediately vie for an All-Big Ten team as the likely starting point guard. In fact, ESPN has him as the No. 71 transfer in the country.
“Wisconsin had its best offensive season in a long time last season, and the Badgers did it without a true point guard. How will they look with Boyd running the show? He and Andrew Rohde are both capable passers, but Boyd is a natural lead guard who will be surrounded by shooters.
“Boyd has now been a producer on NCAA tournament teams at two separate schools, helping lead Florida Atlantic to the 2023 Final Four and then putting up career-best scoring and assist numbers this past season at San Diego State. He averaged 13.4 points and is a career 37% 3-point shooter.”
But, if there were to be a comparison to Tonje, it may even be incumbent John Blackwell, who could be one of the best guards in the Big Ten next year after returning for his junior season.
Wisconsin thrived on camaraderie last year, and the newer players should assimilate well into the team’s culture. But, it may be hard to replace Tonje’s ability to take over games, so this year could also look much different stylistically.