Utah Jazz rookie guard John Tonje had a busy Monday, offering to volunteer at a couple of basketball skills camps and spending time with some local youth hoopers.
Tonje was a consensus second-team All-American last season at Wisconsin, averaging 19.6 points, 5.3 rebounds and 1.8 assists on 38.8% shooting from 3-point range. He led the country in free throws (231) and the Big Ten in scoring (724 points).
The 53rd pick stopped by the JL Sorenson Rec Center in Herriman before pulling up to Juab High School in Nephi. He showcased some tricks on the court and interacted with the players by taking photos and offering plenty of high fives.
Tonje debuted with the Jazz in the NBA Summer League, averaging 10 points, 4.5 rebounds and 2.5 assists on 33.3% shooting from the field. He missed the Salt Lake City Summer League and was limited to two appearances in Las Vegas due to a right ankle sprain.
The 23-year-old is a part of a crowded draft class for the Jazz, joining Ace Bailey (No. 5 pick) and Walter Clayton Jr. (No. 18 pick) this year. The group had the opportunity to spend time together in Salt Lake City before hitting the court in the desert.
Tonje is currently unsigned, though he should be in contention for the final two-way contract on the roster. Despite not yet signing with the Jazz, Tonje is ingratiating himself well within the community and making some new fans along the way.
