8. Illinois (3-seed)
Kylan Boswell (Senior – Guard)
Year two at Illinois has been even better for the Champaign native, though this is far from Boswell’s first postseason run. The Arizona transfer averages 13.1 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game and is making his second trip to the Sweet Sixteen in his career. Boswell is a fluid point guard with solid shooting touch and playmaking ability. Illinois was able to navigate his absence earlier in the season but he certainly brings significant talent back to this backcourt.
Jake Davis (Junior – Forward)
The actual statistics don’t really stand out but Illinois’s offense has been at an insanely efficient level this season and Davis has been a key cog in that machine. The Mercer transfer has found his place in the starting lineup despite putting up just 5.6 points and 2.1 rebounds per game, with just 3 total points in the first two Tournament games for Illinois. However, he’s a hard worker whose presence is felt beyond those raw numbers and let’s not forget his 41% clip from beyond the arc.
Tomislav Ivisic (Sophomore – Center)
Boasting slightly better numbers than his twin brother, Ivisic continues to produce in a major role in Illinois’s frontcourt. In year two he’s averaging 10.2 points and 5.7 rebounds a night and while that production is down from last season he is sharing this position with his brother Zvonimir after all. The 7-footer is dynamic around the rim and can hit outside shots and his presence is a big reason for the efficiency of this offense, fresh off a 14-point, 11-rebound showing against VCU on Saturday.
David Mirkovic (Freshman – Forward)
Another part of Illinois’ international flavor, Mirkovic has really settled into a major role in his first season in Champaign. He’s averaging 13.6 points and 7.9 rebounds per game and really finds ways to affect the game on a number of levels. That was very clear in the first round of the Big Dance as he dropped 29 points and 17 rebounds against Penn. He’s an impressive combination of a tough rebounder who can hit outside shots and affect the game with his toughness and he’s a big reason Illinois is in this position.
Keaton Wagler (Freshman – Guard)
A complete revelation this season for the Fighting Illini, Wagler was an undervalued recruit out of Kansas that Illinois found and has turned into a star. He’s putting up 17.8 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game and was named a Second Team All-American for this incredible campaign. Wagler is a phenomenal offensive weapon who plays both backcourt positions, has great shooting touch from outside the arc, and has been the major reason for the rise of the Fighting Illini this season.