Robbie Avila Set to Join TCU Basketball in 2026-27 Season

The TCU Horned Frogs basketball team is poised to add a significant talent to its roster. Former Saint Louis standout Robbie Avila is expected to join for the 2026-27 season, as reported by On3’s Joe Tipton. This move is seen as a substantial enhancement for TCU, which boasts an undefeated 3-0 start under veteran coach Jamie Dixon. Avila brings experience and a rare skill set with his court vision and passing abilities akin to a guard.

In his final season with the Billikens, Avila delivered impressive statistics: 12.8 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 4.1 assists over 26.3 minutes per game. His shooting percentages stood at 49.7 percent from the field and 41 percent from beyond the arc.

At 6-foot-10 and 240 pounds, Avila became a well-known figure in college basketball during his tenure at Indiana State. There, he played two seasons with head coach Josh Schertz before transferring to Saint Louis in 2024. His goggles and distinct play style earned Avila notable nicknames, including “Cream Abdul-Jabbar” and “College Jokic.” Aside from his internet fame, he clinched the Atlantic 10 Player of the Year title, propelling Saint Louis to a successful 29-6 record and a second-round NCAA Tournament appearance. During his first year with the Billikens, Avila averaged 17.3 points, 6.9 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 1.2 steals in 34 minutes, with shooting averages of 49 percent from the floor and 36 percent from deep.

Despite his achievements, Avila went undrafted in the 2026 NBA Draft. He subsequently signed an Exhibit 10 deal with the Los Angeles Lakers, participating in the summer league. Following this, Avila pursued legal action against the NCAA for a fifth season of eligibility and won a preliminary injunction on November 5. However, the College Sports Commission blocked Saint Louis from including him due to a 15-player roster cap stipulated by the House v. NCAA settlement.

With Saint Louis unable to accommodate him, Avila found an opening at TCU, which still has room for one more player. TCU lost key scorer David Punch to Texas during the offseason and currently lacks a player of Avila’s caliber. Avila’s ability to score inside, extend the floor, and facilitate as a center would align well with Dixon’s strategy.

Last season, TCU concluded with a 23-12 record and placed sixth in the Big 12 with an 11-7 conference scoreline. They exited in the NCAA Tournament’s second round. This season, starting strong at 3-0, TCU aims for a deeper tournament push. Avila’s addition presents another opportunity to succeed in March.