Robbie Avila: From ‘Larry Nerd’ to NCAA Tournament Contender
The NCAA Tournament is set to witness the debut of a college basketball sensation: Robbie Avila of Saint Louis University. The 6-foot-10, 240-pound big man has captivated fans with his unique skillset and a collection of memorable nicknames, including the now-famous “Milk Chamberlain” and “SLU Alcindor.” His first tournament game is scheduled for Friday against Georgia, a matchup that promises excitement.
A Cult Hero Emerges
Avila first rose to prominence during his time at Indiana State, leading the Sycamores to one of their best seasons in program history. This success earned him monikers like “Larry Nerd” and “Larry Blurred,” a nod to Hall of Famer Larry Bird, who also played for Indiana State. Some even dubbed him “Cream Abdul-Jabbar,” highlighting his impressive post moves and scoring ability.
Following Coach Schertz to Saint Louis
Despite falling short of an NCAA Tournament berth with Indiana State in 2023-24, Avila’s performance – averaging 17.4 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 4.4 assists – was undeniable. When coach Josh Schertz moved to Saint Louis, Avila followed, seeking a chance to experience the tournament he deserved. While the Billikens didn’t initially find the same success, Schertz emphasizes Avila was the driving force behind his decision to come to Saint Louis.
Sacrifice and Teamwork
This season, Avila’s scoring numbers have dipped slightly (12.9 points, 4.5 rebounds), but this is a testament to the Billikens’ balanced attack, featuring seven players averaging at least 9 points per game. Schertz praises Avila’s selflessness, noting his willingness to sacrifice personal statistics for the betterment of the team. “He sets an unbelievable tenor for our whole program,” Schertz said. “His sense of humor, his humility, his team orientation… his compassion.”
Georgia Prepares for the ‘Pass-First’ Big Man
Georgia coach Mike White recognizes Avila as the focal point of Saint Louis’s offense. “He’s a guy that the more you study him on film, the more you appreciate his instincts and his quick-thinking ability,” White stated. He particularly highlighted Avila’s exceptional passing ability for a player of his size, comparing him to a guard in that regard. NCAA.com provides further insights into this matchup.
A Program Changer
Schertz believes Avila’s impact extends beyond individual statistics. He argues that Avila has fundamentally changed the trajectory of both Indiana State and Saint Louis basketball programs, bringing pockets of success to mid-major teams. His influence even dates back to his high school career.
Ready to Compete
Avila himself expressed gratitude for the opportunity to compete in the NCAA Tournament, especially alongside his teammates and under the guidance of Coach Schertz. “To kind of end my last year with him and just being in college in general with a tournament appearance, it’s a blessing,” Avila said. “We’re just soaking it in, but we’re just ready to compete.”
Source: The Athletic
