Sources: Former Saint Louis star Avila finalizing deal to play for TCU

•  and 

• Jeff Borzello

  Close

  

  Jeff Borzello

  ESPN Staff Writer

  • Basketball recruiting insider.
  • Joined ESPN in 2014.
  • Graduate of University of Delaware.

Nov 12, 2026, 11:22 AM ET

Saint Louis transfer Robbie Avila is finalizing a deal to play for TCU this season, sources told ESPN.

The sides are close to finishing the deal and he's expected to head to campus this week, sources said.

Avila was granted a preliminary injunction last week by a Missouri judge for a fifth year of eligibility, but the College Sports Commission blocked him from rejoining Saint Louis due to a roster-limits issue.

A 6-foot-10 center whose trademark goggles and unique skillset have earned him nicknames such as "Cream Abdul-Jabbar," Avila was the Atlantic 10 Player of the Year last season, averaging 12.8 points, 4.5 rebounds and 4.1 assists while shooting 41% from 3-point range. He led Saint Louis to 29 wins and a second-round NCAA tournament appearance.

Avila, who has scored nearly 2,000 career points, began his career playing for Josh Schertz at Indiana State. After two seasons with the Sycamores -- including a 2023-24 campaign that featured 32 wins and a career-best 17.4 points per game -- Avila followed Schertz to Saint Louis for the last two seasons.

TCU started the season with three consecutive wins and will play host to Milwaukee on Friday. Jamie Dixon's team steps up in competition next week, however, with a game against Texas A&M and a trip to Las Vegas for the Players Era 16, where they open with No. 17 Miami.

An exact timeline for when Avila will suit up for the Horned Frogs is currently unclear. The university offers a four-week mini-semester that begins on Nov. 17 and the school's regular fall semester ends on Dec. 18.