Illinois' Kylan Boswell Nearing Return, Coach Underwood Shares Update

Underwood remains tight-lipped on timeline, but Boswell appears close to recovering from broken hand

Feb. 9, 2026 at 7:15pm

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Illinois basketball coach Brad Underwood provided an update on the status of injured guard Kylan Boswell, indicating that he has been active in conditioning and individual workouts and is progressing well in his recovery from a broken hand. While Underwood did not give a definitive timeline for Boswell's return, he suggested the player is trending in the right direction and could be back in the lineup in the near future.

Why it matters

Boswell's absence has been felt by the Illini, who have struggled defensively without their perimeter stopper. His return would provide a boost to Illinois' defense, which has relied heavily on its size and length in his absence.

The details

Boswell has been sidelined since mid-January due to a broken hand. Underwood said Boswell was "very active" in his conditioning and individual workouts on Monday and will practice with the team on the same day. However, Underwood noted that Boswell still has an appointment later in the week to evaluate his progress and any potential swelling, which will determine if he is cleared to play.

  • Boswell has been sidelined since mid-January due to a broken hand.
  • Boswell had an individual workout on Monday and will practice with the team on the same day.
  • Boswell has an appointment later in the week to evaluate his progress and potential swelling.

The players

Kylan Boswell

An Illinois basketball player who has been sidelined since mid-January due to a broken hand.

Brad Underwood

The head coach of the Illinois basketball team.

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What they’re saying

“He was very active yesterday in his conditioning. He was very active with his individual workout. And he'll be practicing today. But we'll see. He's got an appointment later in the week, as to what his reactions are to his practicing, in terms of swelling. But I would think he's progressing pretty nicely right now.”

— Brad Underwood, Head Coach, Illinois Basketball

“He can shoot it.”

— Brad Underwood, Head Coach, Illinois Basketball

What’s next

Boswell will have an appointment later in the week to evaluate his progress and potential swelling, which will determine if he is cleared to play.

The takeaway

Boswell's return would provide a much-needed boost to Illinois' defense, which has relied heavily on its size and length in his absence. While Underwood remains cautious about a timeline, all signs point to Boswell nearing a return to the lineup in the near future.