Arizona NIL Success Story: Kylan Boswell

TUCSON, Ariz. – Ask Arizona freshman guard Kylan Boswell what his vision for Name, Image and Likeness success is based on and you'll get the same response to what fuels his meteoric rise into Tommy Lloyd's playing rotation at 17 years old.

Determination…

It's a value he shares with the University of Arizona, Arizona Athletics and his proud heritage; a blend of African American and Asian Pacific Islander. Arizona defines determination as its "Bear Down" spirit, which is a century-old university motto of just two words.

Make no bones about it, Boswell is as determined of a Wildcat as you will meet.

"There are not a lot of Black Samoan athletes out there and even fewer in college basketball," Boswell noted. "My heritage is something I am very proud of, and it is a big part of who I am. It's part of my brand, and I want to be the face of Black Samoan athletes. I am determined to represent my heritage in NIL deals because I want to open the doors for future athletes of African American and Asian Pacific Islander descent to have more exposure and have a bigger role in sponsorships."

Kylan Boswell the NIL brand mirrors the mature, driven point guard who plays with what his head coach describes as a "hard hat, lunch pail mentality".
 

Win. Lose. I love this game ?? pic.twitter.com/SIMWTL4cdB

— Kylan Boswell (@BamBam_Boz) February 14, 2023

"My biggest part of my brand is hard work," he continues. "I have always been a hard worker and determined to accomplish all my goals. I also focus on being my authentic self. I am who I am, and I don't try to change who I am. My maturity is really a tribute to how my parents raised me. I don't think of myself as very mature. I just see it as who I am. I am the kind of person who grows from life's experiences."

Like most young athletes, Boswell arrived at college being able to conceptualize what he wanted his brand to be and how he wanted others to see it. He wasn't able to paint a complete picture, which launched his NIL journey from a position of stress of the unknown.

"When I first got to campus in the summer, I learned quickly about all the NIL resources the University provided as well as the kind of deals available because of the community around the city of Tucson and the U of A. I had a lot of questions about it all coming straight from high school, but the athletics department gave me so much information and tools that it really lessened the stress I had about it all."

As the year went on and Boswell immersed himself in the athletic department's Arizona EDGE NIL program, he was determined to use all the tools and resources at Arizona student-athletes' disposal.

"The INFLCR app has been a huge part of my success in NIL," Boswell said. "Of everything we are given and use to help, it has been the biggest difference maker for me. It allows me to maximize my time, be efficient in exploring deals and know that everything that goes into it is safe and secure. As a college student and member of the basketball program, I don't have the time to get into the weeds in all of that. INFLCR has been huge for me as I begin getting into NIL."

Boswell also began investing his time in networking within Southern Arizona and the Tucson metropolitan area of a million residents. Playing in the storied McKale Center in front of 14,000 fans a night and on national television grew his networking opportunities. It also accelerated the growth of his marketing value as he stayed true to who he is and how he got to the University of Arizona.

"As my freshman season on the court has progressed, a lot of doors and connections have been opened for me for sponsorship opportunities," he observed. "I know that my brand will take me where I want it to as long as I continue to perform on the court and stay true to who I am. More deals in the future will come if I stay focused on those two things. I don't cheat the game of basketball because it rewards you for what you deserve. I don't cheat on who I am because I know my true brand has value for marketers and advertisers." 

As the calendar changes to the month of March, the basketball season reaches the pinnacle of competition as well as exposure. The Pac-12 Tournament in Las Vegas as well as the NCAA Tournament have come to encompass another two-word mantra throughout the United States.

March Madness…

Considered an American holiday that has exploded in its popularity, playing college basketball in March means competing for championships on the biggest of stages under the brightest of lights. It also means national exposure for student-athletes hitting the hardwood in some of the highest-rated television broadcasts in sports. It's a massive opportunity and privilege in Boswell's eyes to represent the program, university, community, his family and himself.

"It's kind of crazy for me to think that I am about to be a part of March Madness. It's an elite level of exposure for me and all my teammates. I am determined to take advantage of that spotlight on me and look to grow my brand nationally. Millions and millions of people will tune into our games, and it's almost like a nationally televised commercial for me and who I am."

If we've learned one thing from Boswell's Wildcat journey, it is that he is determined to succeed. He will achieve his goals on the court and for his brand with two words.

Bear Down…

 
You can support Arizona student-athletes through NIL opportunities by directly engaging with the organizations listed below.