TCU Adds Saint Louis Star Robbie Avila
The 6-foot-10 forward joins the Horned Frogs after a roster cap issue blocked his return to the Billikens.
By Fatima Saleh ·
Robbie Avila is set to join TCU after a roster dispute prevented him from playing for Saint Louis this season. The move resolves a logistical impasse that left the A-10 Player of the Year without a team despite retaining his eligibility.
Avila received a fifth year of eligibility last week following a preliminary injunction in the House v. NCAA case. The College Sports Commission initially blocked Saint Louis from adding him to the roster because the Billikens already had a full 15-man squad. Adding Avila would have violated the roster limits established in the injunctive relief settlement.
“Mr. Avila may be eligible to play college basketball this season, but there is no roster slot available for him at Saint Louis University,” the Commission stated. Saint Louis chose not to cut a player from the active roster, prompting Avila to look elsewhere for a spot.
TCU presents a viable solution because one of its 15 roster spots is held by a designated student-athlete. DSAs are exempt from the 15-man cap, which frees up a slot for head coach Jamie Dixon to sign Avila. It remains unclear exactly when Avila will be cleared to play, but the roster count will not be an obstacle.
Avila averaged 12.8 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 4.1 assists last season. He shot 41% from three-point range. The 6-foot-10 center played alongside coach Josh Schertz at Indiana State before moving to Saint Louis in 2024. He helped lead the Billikens to a school-record 29 wins and a second-round NCAA Tournament appearance last year.
Avila fills a need at the five spot for TCU, which has struggled in the early part of the season. The team required double overtime to defeat Louisiana-Monroe on Tuesday. TCU coach Jamie Dixon is aiming for a fifth Big Dance appearance in the last six years. Avila’s ability to pass, dribble, and shoot should complement forward Xavier Edmonds.
Saint Louis remains a strong contender in the Atlantic 10 even without Avila. The Billikens defeated Missouri 90-84 on Friday. Colorado transfer Alon Michaeli is expected to step in at the five, offering a similar skill set to what Schertz utilized last season. Saint Louis and VCU are currently the co-favorites to win the conference.
