Trending Now - Robbie Avila Shines as Saint Louis Star in NCAA Spotlight
WHO:
Robbie Avila, nicknamed "Cream Abdul-Jabbar," is a senior center for the Saint Louis Billikens.
Zak Boisvert, assistant coach at Saint Louis, previously an assistant to Josh Schertz at Indiana State.
Robbie Avila, center for Saint Louis Billikens
Josh Schertz, coach of Saint Louis Billikens
Zak Boisvert, assistant coach at Saint Louis
Dusty May, coach of Michigan Wolverines
Saint Louis Billikens, NCAA basketball team
Michigan Wolverines, NCAA basketball team
WHAT:
Avila was subbed off the court to end his college career, receiving a standing ovation from fans.
Avila's final game statistics included 3-of-13 shooting, 3-of-10 from three-point range, nine points, one rebound, and five assists.
Avila scored 1,007 points in 71 games during his two seasons at Indiana State.
Robbie Avila's college basketball career concluded with a loss to Michigan, 95-72, in the NCAA tournament on March 19th, 2026.
Avila scored nine points, one rebound, and five assists in his final game.
Avila ended his college career with 1,900 points, 473 assists, and 750 rebounds.
Avila was named A-10 Player of the Year in 2026.
Saint Louis achieved its most wins in school history with 29 wins in the 2025-2026 season.
Avila scored 102 points in the first round against No. 8 Georgia, leading to a 102-77 victory.
WHERE:
Buffalo, New York, site of the NCAA tournament games.
Saint Louis, Missouri, Avila's college team location.
Indiana State, previous college of Avila.
WHEN:
Avila's college basketball career concluded on March 19th, 2026.
March 19th, 2026, date of Avila's final game.
2021, year when Schertz was hired by Indiana State.
2024, year when Avila played for Indiana State and led the team to a 17-3 record in the Missouri Valley Conference.
WHY:
Avila acknowledged the attention he received as a "little bit" of a life-changing experience, stating, "I kind of take it with a grain of salt."
Avila followed coach Josh Schertz from Indiana State to Saint Louis for a better opportunity in the Atlantic 10 Conference.
HOW:
Zak Boisvert emphasized the importance of finding a big man with passing and shooting skills for their offensive strategy, stating, "A five-man that can pass. A five-man that can shoot. A five-man that can think."
Avila was recruited for his unique skill set as a big man with point-guard abilities, which was essential for the offensive strategy implemented by Schertz and Boisvert.
(UPDATED March 22, 2026 01:38 UTC)
In a heartfelt farewell, Robbie Avila, known as "Cream Abdul-Jabbar," wrapped up his college basketball career on March 19, 2026, receiving a standing ovation from fans as he left the court. In his final game, Avila recorded nine points, one rebound, and five assists, finishing his two seasons at Indiana State with a total of 1,007 points across 71 games. Assistant coach Zak Boisvert highlighted the significance of having a versatile big man in their offensive strategy, emphasizing the need for a player who can pass, shoot, and think on the court.
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(UPDATED March 21, 2026 23:04 UTC)
Robbie Avila's college basketball career came to an end last Monday when the Saint Louis Billikens lost to the Michigan Wolverines, 95 to 72, in the NCAA tournament. In his final game, Avila scored nine points, along with one rebound and five assists, finishing his college career with an impressive total of 1,900 points, 473 assists, and 750 rebounds, while also being named A-10 Player of the Year in 2026. This season, Saint Louis achieved a record 29 wins, showcasing Avila's significant contributions after transferring from Indiana State to follow coach Josh Schertz for a better opportunity in the Atlantic 10 Conference.