Illinois Loses Guard Kylan Boswell to Hand Injury

Illinois will be without starting guard Kylan Boswell for several weeks after he suffered a bone fracture in his right hand during practice on Monday, head coach Brad Underwood confirmed Tuesday.

Underwood said Boswell is expected to return to the lineup in mid-February. He is currently wearing a splint, and the coach did not indicate that surgery would be required.

The injury comes at a challenging time for the No. 11 Fighting Illini (15-3, 6-1 Big Ten), who are riding a seven-game winning streak and sit one game behind Purdue and Nebraska in the conference standings.

Boswell has been one of Illinois’ most consistent contributors this season, averaging 14.3 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game while shooting 47.5 percent from the field. He is also regarded as the team’s top perimeter defender and a key piece of its defensive identity.

After spending his first two collegiate seasons at Arizona, Boswell transferred to Illinois and has started 52 of the 53 games he has played for the program.

“It’s really hard to replace him because he’s our most important player,” freshman forward David Mirkovic said Tuesday. “We’re going to give our best.”

Illinois will look to maintain momentum in Big Ten play as it adjusts its rotation until Boswell’s expected return later in the season.