Cameroon’s John Tonje drafted by Utah Jazz in NBA 2025 surprise pick
In a late-draft stunner, Cameroon’s John Tonje was selected 53rd overall by the Utah Jazz in the 2025 NBA Draft. The 6’5″ guard/forward becomes just the eighth Cameroonian player ever to reach the league.
Tonje’s unconventional journey saw him develop quietly at Colorado State, Missouri, and finally Wisconsin, where he exploded this season with 19.6 PPG and First-Team All-Big Ten honors. His 41-point outburst against Arizona particularly turned scouts’ heads.
“We were surprised he was still available,” admitted Jazz VP Avery Bradley. “We’d tracked him all season.”
The Omaha-born wing overcame multiple injuries to earn his NBA shot, proving that persistence pays off.
His selection continues Cameroon’s growing basketball legacy, following in the footsteps of stars like Joel Embiid and Pascal Siakam.
Now Tonje prepares to bring his two-way game to Salt Lake City, where Utah hopes they’ve found another international diamond in the rough.
