Iowa Coach Praises Illinois' Kylan Boswell as 'Unsung Hero'

McCollum calls Boswell the 'alpha' and leader of Illinois' stifling defense ahead of Elite Eight matchup

Mar. 28, 2026 at 4:20pm

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Iowa Hawkeyes head coach Ben McCollum praised Illinois Fighting Illini guard Kylan Boswell, calling him the team's 'unsung hero' and 'alpha' ahead of their Elite Eight matchup in the 2026 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament. McCollum highlighted Boswell's physical play, defensive intensity, and leadership as key factors in Illinois' success this season.

Why it matters

Boswell's contributions have often been overshadowed by his more high-profile teammates, but McCollum's praise shines a light on the junior guard's vital role in Illinois' deep tournament run. As the teams prepare to face off for a spot in the Final Four, Boswell's performance could be a crucial X-factor.

The details

This season, Boswell was named to the Big Ten All-Defensive Team after averaging 12.9 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game. McCollum highlighted Boswell's physicality, ability to get downhill, and defensive intensity as key strengths that make him the 'edge' Illinois needs. The coach also praised Illinois' overall defensive prowess, noting their length and ability to keep opponents in front without fouling.

  • The Illinois and Iowa men's basketball teams are scheduled to play at 5 p.m. CT on Saturday at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas, for a berth in the 2026 NCAA Final Four.
  • On Thursday, Illinois beat No. 2 seed Houston 65-55 in the NCAA Tournament Sweet 16.
  • Most recently, Iowa defeated No. 4-seeded Nebraska 77-71 in the NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 on Thursday.

The players

Kylan Boswell

A junior guard for the Illinois Fighting Illini who was named to the Big Ten All-Defensive Team this season. Boswell is averaging 12.9 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game.

Ben McCollum

The head coach of the Iowa Hawkeyes men's basketball team.

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What they’re saying

“Probably the most unsung hero in their entire program is Boswell. I mean, he is the edge that they need. He's the alpha. I mean, he's good. He's physical. He gets downhill. He defends. He's got great energy. I think he's the leader of that defense.”

— Ben McCollum, Iowa Hawkeyes Head Coach

“They've got great length defensively. They're more keep you in front. They don't foul a lot than some of the other teams that we've played, but they obviously do a great job defensively as well.”

— Ben McCollum, Iowa Hawkeyes Head Coach

What’s next

The winner of the Illinois-Iowa matchup will advance to the 2026 NCAA Final Four.

The takeaway

Kylan Boswell's defensive intensity, physicality, and leadership have been crucial to Illinois' success, but his contributions have often been overshadowed. McCollum's praise shines a light on Boswell's vital role as the 'alpha' and 'unsung hero' of the Fighting Illini, making him a key player to watch in the Elite Eight clash against Iowa.