BUFFALO, N.Y. — Robbie Avila isn’t built like most college basketball stars. He doesn’t possess the chiseled physique often associated with high-level athletics. Instead, the 6-foot-10, 240-pound forward for Saint Louis University plays with a unique blend of skill, vision, and basketball IQ that has captivated fans and confounded opponents. Dubbed “Cream Abdul-Jabbar” – a nickname that’s spawned countless variations like “Milk Chamberlain” and “SLU Alcindor” – Avila’s improbable rise is a testament to a willingness to look beyond the conventional, and a coach who saw potential where others didn’t. As the ninth-seeded Billikens prepare to face top-seeded Michigan in the second round of the NCAA Tournament on Saturday, Avila’s impact extends far beyond statistics.
The story of Avila’s emergence begins not in a flashy recruiting showcase, but with a text message and a warning. In 2021, Zak Boisvert, then an assistant coach at Indiana State, was on the hunt for a specific type of player: a big man who could pass, shoot, and think. A friend coaching high school basketball in the Chicago area sent a name – Robbie Avila – but with a caveat: “He doesn’t pass the look-test, but bear with me.” Boisvert, now an assistant coach at Saint Louis, recalls the initial skepticism. “You watch the film, and it just pops out, the shooting, the passing,” he said. “And then you get a chance to talk to him, and the brain pops out, due to the fact that his ultimate superpower is just how he thinks.”
That “superpower” is what sets Avila apart. He’s a facilitator in a big man’s body, averaging 12.9 points, 4.6 rebounds, and a team-leading 4.6 assists per game for the Billikens this season. His ability to read defenses, make quick decisions, and deliver pinpoint passes has transformed Saint Louis’ offense. Michigan coach Dusty May acknowledged Avila’s unique skillset, calling him “the ultimate connector” and praising his ability to put defenses “in a pickle almost every single possession.”
From Oak Forest to the NCAA Tournament
Avila’s journey began at Oak Forest High School in Illinois. It was there that Boisvert first noticed his potential, despite the initial reservations about his physical appearance. Boisvert likened the situation to the philosophy espoused in the movie “Moneyball”: “We’re not selling jeans. We’re trying to win baseball games.” Avila’s film revealed a player who defied expectations, possessing a rare combination of shooting touch and passing acumen for someone his size. Schertz, after just 16 minutes of watching Avila play, was convinced he was the perfect fit for his system.
Josh Schertz, who had previously built a winning program at Division II Lincoln Memorial, arrived at Indiana State in 2021 with a clear vision. He wanted to play a quick-paced, skill-based style of basketball, and Avila was central to that plan. As a sophomore in 2024, Avila led the Sycamores to a 17-3 record in the Missouri Valley Conference, averaging 17.4 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game. His performance sparked a viral sensation, leading to a flurry of nicknames reflecting his unique style of play – “Larry Nerd,” “Steph Blurry,” “College Jokic,” and “Baby Jokic” among them. Guard Trey Green succinctly captured the essence of Avila’s game: “He can read the game. Even though he’s not the fastest player, he can read it at a fast pace, and it slows everything down for us.”
Despite the impressive season, Indiana State narrowly missed out on an NCAA Tournament berth in 2024, falling in the Missouri Valley Conference tournament final and being among the “first four out” of the field. When Schertz accepted the head coaching position at Saint Louis shortly thereafter, Avila followed, seeking to continue their successful partnership.
A Fresh Start and a Tournament Win
The transition to Saint Louis wasn’t immediate. It took time to integrate Avila into a new system and build a cohesive team. This season, the Billikens started strong, posting a 24-1 record before facing some challenges. Avila, while still a key contributor, saw his scoring average dip slightly to 12.9 points per game, in part due to the team’s depth – nine players average at least 15 minutes per game. Schertz recently revealed that Avila has been playing through a nagging foot injury, but has not missed any games.
Saint Louis secured an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament, a feat that eluded them the previous year. They made a statement in the first round, dominating Georgia 102-77. Avila contributed 12 points, five rebounds, and five assists in the victory, showcasing his all-around impact.
Facing a Top Seed in Michigan
Now, Saint Louis faces a formidable challenge in the second round: a matchup against top-seeded Michigan. The Wolverines boast a roster of highly-touted prospects, including All-American Yaxel Lendeborg and 7-foot-3 center Aday Mara. However, Avila’s unique skillset and ability to make his teammates better could prove to be a critical factor. Boisvert believes Avila’s greatest strength lies in his self-awareness. “He doesn’t try to be anyone he’s not,” Boisvert said. “Understanding who you are and not trying to be someone you’re not is a superpower, and that guy gets it.”
Avila’s journey from an overlooked recruit to a key player in the NCAA Tournament is a reminder that success isn’t always defined by physical attributes. It’s about intelligence, skill, and a willingness to embrace one’s strengths. As Avila prepares to face Michigan, he embodies a philosophy that extends beyond the basketball court: be yourself, and let your game speak for itself. His favorite nickname, “Rob Wave,” a nod to the husky rapper Rod Wave, reflects that confidence and individuality.
The Billikens will need a strong performance from Avila, and likely a step up in his production, to have a chance against the Wolverines. The game is scheduled for Saturday, and will be a test of Saint Louis’ ability to execute their game plan against a team with significant size and athleticism. Updates on the game and the NCAA Tournament can be found on the official NCAA website.
The Saint Louis Billikens’ next challenge is clear: a Saturday showdown with Michigan. Fans can follow the game’s progress and further tournament updates on NCAA.com. We encourage readers to share their thoughts and predictions in the comments below.
