Illini’s Kylan Boswell named to Jerry West Award watch list

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Boswell started 34 games last season for the Illini, averaging 12.3 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 3.4 assists. Photo: Contributed/Elizabeth Hess

CHAMPAIGN, IL (Chambana Today) — Illinois senior Kylan Boswell has been named one of 20 national candidates for the 2026 Jerry West Award, honoring the top shooting guard in Division I men’s basketball.

The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame announced the list Tuesday, marking the 12th year of the award named after the late Hall of Famer and 1959 NCAA Final Four MVP.

Boswell started 34 games last season for the Illini, averaging 12.3 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 3.4 assists. He scored in double figures 24 times and closed the season strong, averaging nearly 17 points over the final eight games, including standout performances against Kentucky and Iowa.

Fans can vote online at hoophallawards.com, with finalists announced in March. The winner will be presented alongside other members of the Men’s and Women’s “Starting Five” awards later this season.

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