Dec. 25—Kylan Boswell might have played one of the best games of basketball by someone who shot 2 of 12 from the field when he still put up 16 points, nine rebounds and five assists in Illinois’ 80-77 Braggin’ Rights victory against Missouri on Sunday in St. Louis. The junior guard went 11 of 12 at the free throw line to help offset the fact he shot 1 of 5 from three-point range. Not to mention his defensive effort and productivity (as high as always).
Boswell is shooting 34 percent from the field this season and 21 percent from three-point range as he adjusts to a new offense with Illinois. His career percentages — 41 percent overall and 38 percent from three in two seasons at Arizona — means that he’s more likely to have progression to the mean as this season continues.
“A guy that’s adjusting, still figuring his way out and doing a lot of good things,” Illinois assistant coach Geoff Alexander said. “His history, he’s shot the ball well both years at Arizona. An area that hasn’t got off to a great start, but he’s in there working nonstop every single day — multiple times a day — to get that where it feels good and gets right.
“Another guy that cares. That’s one thing, as far as the recruiting process, if you ain’t all about winning this ain’t the right place. We only bring guys in where that’s the priority. If you’re selfish, if you’re individualized, if you’re worried about yourself, this ain’t the right place.”
