Saint Louis standout big man and reigning A-10 Player of the Year Robbie Avila secured a preliminary injunction from Missouri judge Jason Sengheiser, paving the way for a fifth year of eligibility. The ruling came just a day before the Billikens’ major non-conference matchup against rival Missouri, though a late obstacle emerged on Friday regarding roster limits.
Roster Limit Stumbler
Robbie Avila was anticipated to make his debut for coach Josh Schertz’s squad, but the College Sports Commission stepped in to block his return to the court. Adding a 16th player to the roster would breach the roster restrictions set by the injunctive relief settlement in House v. NCAA. Judge Sengheiser’s ruling had previously specified that the NCAA could not enforce its roster limits to prevent Avila from joining Saint Louis’ existing 15-man roster.
The CSC noted in a statement that while they take no stance on Avila’s eligibility, they cannot execute a state court order that forces them to violate federal injunctive relief terms by granting an extra roster spot to Saint Louis University. The commission emphasized that while Avila might be eligible to compete this season, no open roster slot exists for him at the university.
Reporting from Sports Illustrated’s Kevin Sweeney indicates that across high-major programs, more than 50 fifth-year seniors are currently eligible while 16 remain ineligible. Legal representation for Avila is anticipated to challenge the ruling by the CSC.
Impact on Saint Louis Basketball
Should he gain eligibility, Avila’s presence represents a significant boost for both the university and the collegiate game. Affectionately nicknamed Milk Chamberlain, Larry Nerd, Cream Abdul-Jabbar, and Rob Wave, the player stands out as one of the sport’s most identifiable figures.
During the previous campaign, Avila posted averages of 12.8 points while converting 41% of his 3-point attempts on 4.6 tries per game. His efforts propelled a Saint Louis offense that finished second nationally in effective field goal percentage. The team opened last year with 24 wins in 25 games, securing an at-large bid and the No. 9 seed in the NCAA Tournament. Saint Louis defeated Georgia 102-77 in the opening round before bowing out to eventual champion Michigan in the Round of 32, marking the program’s first tournament victory since 2014.
With Avila returning, Saint Louis would bring back four starters alongside two additional key rotation contributors from the postseason run. Program leadership successfully retained coach Josh Schertz amid outside interest, heightening anticipation for the season.
Avila anchors a roster that makes Saint Louis the sole program in the nation to keep three high-volume 40% 3-point shooters. Alongside Trey Green and Ishan Sharma, the trio combined for 233 baskets from beyond the arc last year.
Offensive Versatility
The offensive impact extends beyond perimeter shooting, as the spacing created by long-range threats opens up opportunities inside. When Avila was active, Saint Louis converted 63% of attempts at the rim. Nearly half of the team’s total shots came at the rim, aided by Avila’s capacity to pull shot-blockers away from the basket and distribute the ball effectively.
With Avila cleared to play, Saint Louis projects as a top-25 program and the definitive favorite in the Atlantic 10, though challenges from conference rivals like VCU remain.
Saint Louis’ projected starting lineup features guards Trey Green, Quentin Jones, Ishan Sharma, and Kellen Thames, alongside forward Robbie Avila. Key bench contributors include forwards Alon Michaeli, Jax Kerr, Cam Hutson, Luke Laczkowski, guard Amari McCottry, and center Sheek Pearson.
