TCU is moving to add Robbie Avila to its basketball roster after a judge cleared the former Saint Louis player to compete but ruled he could not return to the Billikens due to roster restrictions. Horned Frogs coach Jamie Dixon confirmed on Thursday that Avila and his family reached out following the senior’s failure to find a path to play at Saint Louis.
Avila, who won the Atlantic 10 player of the year award last season, now appears set to join TCU as they deal with injuries, including the indefinite absence of Texas Tech transfer Luke Bamgboye. Dixon said the school is finalizing Avila’s eligibility, though it is unlikely he will be available for Friday’s game against Milwaukee. TCU’s next contest is at home versus Texas A&M on November 19.
The Billikens’ roster ban comes after Avila was granted a fifth year of eligibility under a preliminary injunction. However, the College Sports Commission ruled he could not play for Saint Louis because of those roster limits.
Last season, Avila helped Saint Louis achieve a school-record 29 wins and reach the NCAA Tournament’s second round before falling to eventual national champion Michigan. He averaged 12.8 points and 4.5 rebounds last year. Over four seasons split between Indiana State and Saint Louis, Avila’s career averages stand at 14.5 points and 5.5 rebounds per game.
Avila first gained attention for wearing signature glasses during his time at Indiana State before transferring to Saint Louis. At TCU, Dixon said Avila’s experience and skill set could provide much-needed depth as the Horned Frogs seek to build on a 3-0 start that included a double-overtime 100-92 win over UL Monroe on Tuesday.
The NCAA eligibility situation surrounding Avila emerged after he exhausted options to continue at Saint Louis. With the Billikens unable to accommodate him under roster limits, TCU became a logical destination given their injury challenges.
Dixon did not provide a definite timeline for Avila’s debut but emphasized the program is working through the necessary processes to get him on the court as soon as possible.
TCU’s roster flexibility and Avila’s proven production could offer the Horned Frogs an added scoring and rebounding option down the stretch of the season.
According to Yahoo Sports.
