Robbie Avila will not return to Saint Louis for his fifth year of college basketball eligibility as many expected. Instead, he is set to join TCU after the Billikens blocked his return due to roster constraints.
Avila, who was granted an extra year of eligibility a week ago, reportedly could not find a place on Saint Louis’s roster for this season. According to Jeff Goodman of Field of 68, TCU is finalizing a deal to add the former Saint Louis big man to their squad. Goodman wrote on Twitter that TCU is compensating Avila well and that he will be a significant asset for Horned Frogs coach Jamie Dixon.
The announcement came after Saint Louis declined to make room for Avila despite his eligibility extension. The exact reasons for the roster issue have not been detailed by the Billikens, but their inability to fit Avila into the squad forced the player to look elsewhere.
Avila’s move to TCU is expected to bolster their frontcourt options. Jamie Dixon, in charge at TCU, will gain an experienced player who has proven himself in NCAA tournaments. While the financial terms of the deal have not been disclosed, Goodman’s report suggests Avila will receive solid compensation.
This development comes during a time when NCAA eligibility rules have allowed a handful of players to extend their college careers, often creating roster challenges for teams. Avila’s case highlights how roster limits and scholarship availability can affect even standout players.
At Saint Louis, Avila’s departure leaves a gap in their lineup after the school chose not to add him back despite his eligibility. The Billikens have yet to comment publicly on the situation or their roster decisions for the 2026-27 season.
For TCU, Avila’s arrival could impact their rotation and competitive prospects this season. The Horned Frogs are preparing for a campaign where adding a player with tournament experience fits into their strategy.
This story remains open, with updates expected as the agreement with TCU is completed and further details emerge.
According to Yahoo Sports.