Ex-Wisconsin star happy to avoid Maryland at the Xfinity Center: 'I'm glad we don't have to see them again'
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As top prospects from around the country take part in the annual NBA Draft combine in Chicago, several players from the Big Ten are looking to boost their stock. But in addition to the various drills and tests taking place, those athletes are also subjected to a number of interviews with the media.
This week, some of the top draft prospects from the Big Ten were asked to name one arena in the conference they're glad they never have to play in again. When it comes to Wisconsin guard John Tonje, he said it was Maryland at the Xfinity Center.
These @NBA bound stars are glad they don't have to play in these opposing #B1GMBBall arenas ever again. 😂 Any surprises on the list? 👀 pic.twitter.com/ktWcNvhSZa
— Big Ten Men's Basketball (@B1GMBBall) May 16, 2025
Tonje and the Badgers made the road trip to College Park back on Jan. 29 and suffered a 76-68 loss. Although Tonje finished the game with an impressive individual performance (23 pts, 6 reb), the Terrapins starting five all finished the game in double-figures en route to a convincing win.
While dealing with the "Crab Five" was difficult enough, Tonje said the Maryland fans made it even more difficult.
"I think Maryland [fans] were there an hour before just talking trash. So I'm glad we don't have to go see them again."
Former Maryland star freshman Derik Queen was also asked to share an arena he's glad he doesn't have to play in again. Queen (like most others) said Mackey. Purdue's Mackey Arena, which opened in 1967, is notorious for being one of the most difficult environments in all of college basketball.
Queen and the Terps made their only trip to Mackey last season on Dec. 8 and left with an 83-78 loss.
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Christopher Breiler launched Winged Helmet Media and began covering the Michigan Football program in an unofficial capacity in 2017. He then joined Wolverine Digest as part of the FanNation network in 2021 as a contributing writer, where he served as both a writer and a photographer on game days. In 2024, he took over as the Managing Editor for Michigan Wolverines On SI. In January of 2025, he took over as Publisher for Maryland On SI. His love for Michigan Football brought him into the industry, and his passion for being a content creator has led to some amazing experiences along the way.
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