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No. 8 Illinois Hopes to Get Key Players Back Against Indiana
Illini need defensive aces Kylan Boswell and Andrej Stojakovic to return from injuries to slow down hot-shooting Hoosiers
Feb. 14, 2026 at 4:15pm
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No. 8 Illinois is hoping to get top perimeter defenders Kylan Boswell and Andrej Stojakovic back from injuries in time for their Sunday matchup against Indiana. The Illini have struggled to slow down opposing guards in the absence of Boswell and Stojakovic, and they'll need to find a way to contain Hoosiers sharpshooter Lamar Wilkerson, who has been on a scoring tear lately.
Why it matters
Illinois' chances of winning the Big Ten regular season title and securing a high NCAA Tournament seed could hinge on the availability of Boswell and Stojakovic. The Illini have already suffered a couple close losses to conference foes, and they can't afford many more if they want to keep pace atop the standings.
The details
Boswell, who fractured his right hand on Jan. 19, has missed the last seven games, during which the Illini have gone 5-2. Stojakovic, who sprained his ankle, was able to go through pregame warmups against Wisconsin, so he may be closer to a return. The Illini have struggled to contain opposing guards like Wisconsin's Nick Boyd and John Blackwell, as well as Michigan State's Jeremy Fears Jr., in the absence of their top perimeter defenders.
- Boswell fractured his right hand on Jan. 19 and has missed the last seven games.
- Stojakovic sprained his ankle and was able to go through pregame warmups against Wisconsin.
The players
Kylan Boswell
A top perimeter defender for Illinois who has missed the last seven games due to a fractured right hand.
Andrej Stojakovic
Another key defensive player for the Illini who sprained his ankle but may be closer to a return.
Lamar Wilkerson
Indiana's star shooting guard who has been on a scoring tear, averaging 30.8 points over the past four games.
Brad Underwood
The head coach of the Illinois Fighting Illini.
Darian DeVries
The head coach of the Indiana Hoosiers.
What they’re saying
“We've had some challenges guarding guards since Kylan's been out.”
— Brad Underwood, Illinois head coach
“(Lamar) is playing at an incredibly high level. He's got to be in that conversation with a few other guys as the best player in the league this year.”
— Darian DeVries, Indiana head coach
What’s next
Boswell is regarded as a game-time decision for Sunday's matchup against Indiana, while Stojakovic appears closer to a return after going through pregame warmups.
The takeaway
Illinois' ability to get Boswell and Stojakovic back healthy will be crucial in their quest to win the Big Ten regular season title and secure a high NCAA Tournament seed. The Illini have struggled to contain opposing guards in the absence of their top perimeter defenders, and they'll need to find a way to slow down Indiana's hot-shooting Lamar Wilkerson.
