fox2now
Robbie Avila, a former standout at Saint Louis University, is close to completing a deal to continue his college basketball career at TCU, sources have indicated. The 6-foot-10 center is expected to be on TCU's campus this week as both sides work toward finalizing the agreement, according to Bleacher Report.
A return to Saint Louis became complicated after the College Sports Commission ruled that the team could not have an extra roster spot to accommodate Avila. The development followed a recent decision by a St. Louis judge granting Avila eligibility for a fifth season of college basketball.
Before pursuing legal action, Avila attempted to secure a roster spot with the Los Angeles Lakers but saw limited opportunities during the NBA Summer League. The Lakers later waived him before the start of the 2026-27 NBA regular season.
Avila spent the past two years at SLU, where he averaged 12.8 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game last season, earning Atlantic-10 Player of the Year honors. Prior to transferring to SLU, he played two seasons at Indiana State.
Despite Avila's absence and eventual departure, Saint Louis has opened the season with a 3-0 record, including a victory over the Missouri Tigers last week at Enterprise Center.
Avila will now join a TCU program that is also 3-0. He is expected to team up with leading scorer Micah Robinson, who is averaging more than 21 points per game. According to ESPN, it remains unclear when Avila will suit up for his new team.
Key Analysis
The addition of Avila gives TCU a proven frontcourt presence and a player with significant accolades, though his integration into the lineup may take time. His departure from SLU, while notable, has not hindered the team's early-season success. The situation highlights the complexities of roster management and eligibility in college athletics.
Originally reported by fox2now.