Chicago Bulls Projected to Select Illinois Guard Kylan Boswell in NBA Draft

The NBA Draft is quickly approaching, and Illinois is set to have its fifth player selected during the Brad Underwood era. Ayo Dosunmu, Terrence Shannon Jr., Kasparas Jakucionis, and Will Riley have all heard their names called in recent years, and Keaton Wagler appears poised to be next.

Wagler is expected to become Illinois' first lottery pick since Meyers Leonard was selected No. 11 overall by the Portland Trail Blazers in 2012. He is also projected to be the program's first top five pick since Deron Williams was taken No. 3 overall by the Utah Jazz in the 2005 NBA Draft.

Wagler may not be the only Illini selected this year. ESPN draft analyst Jeremy Woo has the Chicago Bulls selecting Kylan Boswell with the No. 56 overall pick in the second round. In Woo's latest mock draft, Wagler lands with the Los Angeles Clippers at No. 5 overall, while Boswell heads to Chicago late in the draft.

Boswell, a former five-star recruit, finally found his footing at the college level after transferring to Illinois before his junior season. Rated as a four-star transfer by 247Sports, he provided the Illini with steady guard play for two seasons. Last season, Boswell averaged 12.3 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game despite battling a fractured right hand late in the year.

The Champaign native earned Big Ten All-Defensive Team honors and could bring that same defensive intensity to the NBA. With the fewest early-entry draft declarations in NBA history this year, Boswell has a legitimate opportunity to hear his name called on draft night.

Making the Bulls' roster would be a significant challenge, but Boswell should have opportunities to prove himself through Summer League and the G League, whether he is drafted or signs as an undrafted free agent. Chicago currently has Josh Giddey, Isaac Okoro, Tre Jones, Rob Dillingham, and several other guards on its roster, along with Yuki Kawamura and Mac McClung on two-way contracts, creating a crowded backcourt.

As an undersized guard by NBA standards, Boswell's defensive versatility is where he can provide the most value. He excels at getting underneath opposing guards, disrupting ball handlers, and using his strength. Illinois frequently utilized him in the dunker spot, like the role Jrue Holiday played for the Boston Celtics during their championship run. Defensively focused guards such as Lu Dort and Derrick White are players Boswell could model his game after at the next level.

To stick in the NBA, Boswell will need to improve his outside shooting. He shot just 30.7% from three-point range last season after connecting on 24.5% of his attempts during his junior year. The 6-foot-2 guard will likely be one of the final selections in the draft if he is chosen.

The Bulls are amid a rebuild under a new front office and first-year head coach Tiago Splitter. For Illini fans living in Chicago, seeing Boswell land with the hometown team would be a fun storyline and an easy reason to tune in next season.