School Hall of Famers are usually reserved for athletes who are standouts for multiple seasons.

But John Tonje’s one spectacular year with the Wisconsin’s men’s basketball team might be enough.

The transfer portal was originally unkind to the Badgers last offseason. UW lost leading scorers AJ Storr and Chucky Hepburn and was picked 12th in the Big Ten by the media after earning a No. 5 seed in the 2024 NCAA tournament.

But the arrival of Tonje to Madison though the same portal proved to be possibly the best transfer grab in the sport.

Tonje led the Badgers to tie for fourth in the conference. The former Colorado State and Missouri player averaged 19.6 points a game and scored more than 30 points six times. The majority of his 30-plus point games were against NCAA tournament teams, including a 41-point effort against Arizona in November.

After his 37-point effort against BYU wasn’t enough in the second round of the NCAA tournament, Tonje posted a heartfelt farewell to Badgers fans Tuesday on Instagram:

“Thank you Wisconsin❤️ God blessed me beyond belief with this life changing experience. It has truly been an honor and dream come true to represent Wisconsin. The family, experiences, lessons, and memories I have developed here in Madison are ones I will never forget and runs way deeper than just basketball. I’m forever in debt to my teammates, coaches, and supporters, who made this year so special!! Love yall!!9️⃣ out.”

McGee takes note of special season

Fellow Wisconsin senior Kamari McGee also said his goodbye to UW on Instagram:

“First n foremost I wanna thank God for blessing me with the opportunity to call myself a badger! Wanna thank the coaching staff for believing in me these last 3 years! To my teammates who are more like brothers, thank you for making my time here memorable! To badger nation, I appreciate yall for all the support and love yall showed! N last but not least thanks to my family for being there through it all. I am truly thankful for it all ! 4 out ❤️

McGee played three seasons at Wisconsin after transferring from UW-Green Bay. The Racine St. Catherine’s graduate averaged 6.5 points for the Badgers this season.