Robbie Avila will be in uniform for Saint Louis on Friday night. A Missouri judge granted the reigning A-10 Player of the Year a preliminary injunction, clearing the way for him to return for a fifth season with the Billikens — just one day before their high-profile non-conference matchup with rival Missouri.
The Robbie Avila injunction resolves, at least for now, a tense eligibility fight that had threatened to keep the big man off the floor. Avila is expected to make his 2026-27 debut under coach Josh Schertz, giving Saint Louis a major boost on the eve of one of its most anticipated games of the season.
Why the Ruling Matters
Judge Jason Sengheiser’s decision followed arguments from both sides. A central issue was that Avila had verbally agreed to — but never formally signed — an Exhibit 10 contract with the Los Angeles Lakers. The ruling also determined that the NCAA cannot use its roster limits to prevent Avila from returning to a Saint Louis roster that already holds 15 players.
The case lands as another significant victory for players challenging the NCAA’s eligibility framework in the broader 5-in-5 debate. According to Sports Illustrated’s Kevin Sweeney, 53 fifth-year seniors at the high-major level are currently eligible, while 16 are not.
What Avila Brings Back to Saint Louis
Avila has become one of college basketball’s most recognizable figures, known for a colorful collection of nicknames and a game that matches the attention. Last season he averaged 12.8 points while shooting 41% from beyond the arc on 4.6 attempts per game for a Saint Louis offense that finished second nationally in effective field goal percentage.
His value goes beyond his own shot. With Avila on the floor, the Billikens converted 63% of their attempts at the rim, and nearly half of their total shots — 45% — came at the basket. His presence draws shot-blockers away from the paint and creates cleaner driving lanes for teammates.
Saint Louis started last season 24-1, earned an at-large NCAA Tournament bid as a No. 9 seed, and rolled past Georgia 102-77 in the first round before falling to eventual national champion Michigan in the Round of 32. It was the program’s first tournament win since 2014.
A Loaded Supporting Cast
Avila’s return means Saint Louis brings back four starters and two additional rotation players who appeared in the Big Dance. The Billikens also retained three high-volume 3-point shooters who connected at 40% or better — Avila, Trey Green and Ishan Sharma — a trio that combined for 233 made 3-pointers last season. Saint Louis is the only team in the country that can make that claim.
Schertz, widely regarded as one of the hottest names in the coaching carousel, stayed put after the program fended off interest from high-major suitors. With Avila back, the Billikens project as a top-25 team if everything clicks and as the clear favorite in the Atlantic 10 — though VCU may have something to say about that.
Projected Starting Lineup
- G Trey Green
- G Quentin Jones
- G Ishan Sharma
- G Kellen Thames
- F Robbie Avila
Top bench options include F Alon Michaeli, G Amari McCottry, F Jax Kerr, Cam Hutson, F Luke Laczkowski and C Sheek Pearson.
Avila may need some time to shake off rust after the extended layoff, but the long-term outlook for Saint Louis is bright. Friday’s game against Missouri now carries an added layer of intrigue — and the Billikens will have their star big man on the floor for it.
