Former College Basketball Star Set to Join TCU After Brief Lakers Stint

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TCU is reportedly set to land one of the most recognizable players in college basketball, with former Saint Louis star Robbie Avila expected to join the Horned Frogs for the…

TCU is reportedly set to land one of the most recognizable players in college basketball, with former Saint Louis star Robbie Avila expected to join the Horned Frogs for the 2026-27 season, according to On3's Joe Tipton.

This is a massive boost for TCU, which is currently undefeated at 3-0 to start the year under longtime head coach Jamie Dixon, with Avila able to step in immediately and give the team an experienced big man with a unique skill set, known for his elite court vision and guard-like passing skills. In his last year with the Billikens, Avila averaged 12.8 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 4.1 assists in 26.3 minutes per game, shooting 49.7 percent from the field and 41 percent from 3-point range.

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Avila, a 6-foot-10, 240-pound forward, became a college basketball sensation during his time at Indiana State, where he played two seasons under head coach Josh Schertz before following him to Saint Louis in 2024. His trademark goggles and unique playing style made him one of the most recognizable figures in the sport, drawing nicknames such as "Cream Abdul-Jabbar," "College Jokic," and "Larry Nerd."

He wasn't just a viral internet sensation, though. Avila earned Atlantic 10 Player of the Year honors last season, while helping lead Saint Louis to a 29-6 finish and the second round of the NCAA Tournament. The year before, his first with the Billikens, he averaged 17.3 points, 6.9 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 1.2 steals in 34 minutes per game, shooting 49 percent from the floor and 36 percent from long range.

Yet, despite a strong four-year run in college, he went undrafted in the 2026 NBA Draft, later signing an Exhibit 10 contract with the Los Angeles Lakers and appearing in the summer league. After that opportunity fizzled out, Avila sued the NCAA for a fifth season of eligibility and won a preliminary injunction on November 5.

However, the College Sports Commission, which enforces the House v.

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