Robbie Avila Commits to Saint Louis in CBB Transfer Portal After Indiana State Stint

Indiana State star Robbie Avila is transferring to Saint Louis, he announced Saturday. Avila will follow his head coach Josh Schertz, who was hired by Saint Louis following the end of the season.

Avila, a sophomore, averaged 17.4 points, 6.6 rebounds and 4.1 assists per game for the Sycamores last year, leading the team to a 32-7 record and an NIT championship game appearance.

The Billikens went 13-20 last year before firing head coach Travis Ford.

Coming out of high school, Avila was a 2-star prospect according to 247Sports, but his outstanding play during the 2023-24 season made him one of the top transfers. He was considered to be a 4-star transfer prospect and the No. 43 overall player in the portal by 247Sports.

While Avila likely had his choice of Power 6 schools, he said his relationship with Schertz ultimately led him to Saint Louis, per the St. Louis-Dispatch's Stu Durando.

"I believed in him when he recruited me to Indiana State and it went well there, so I didn't see a reason to change it up," Avila said. "I was convinced from the beginning to follow him here. The biggest thing that draws me to him is he's up front and honest and we've had a good deal the last few years."

The fan favorite among college basketball fans will be a big part of Saint Louis' rebuild. He was the runner-up for the Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Year and will have a good chance to take home the A10 Player of the Year award in 2024.

The news of Avila's transfer comes after the Billikens' star player from last season, Gibson Jimerson, announced he would return for his final season after entering the transfer portal. Jimerson averaged 15.8 points per game last year.

With Jimerson returning and Avila joining, Saint Louis could make a run at the NCAA tournament next season.