Saint Louis center Robbie Avila, the reigning Atlantic 10 Player of the Year, will make his 2026-27 season debut Friday against rival Missouri after a Missouri judge granted him a preliminary injunction. Judge Jason Sengheiser ruled that the NCAA cannot enforce its roster limits to block Avila from returning to the Billikens' already-filled 15-man roster for a fifth year of eligibility.
Legal Battle Over Roster Limits
The College Sports Commission (CSC) is contesting the decision, stating that adding a 16th player would violate the roster limits imposed by the injunctive relief settlement in House v. NCAA. In a statement, the CSC said it cannot effectuate a state court order that requires violating the explicit terms of a federal injunctive relief settlement by giving Saint Louis University an additional roster slot. Avila's representation is expected to fight the CSC's ruling. According to Sports Illustrated's Kevin Sweeney, there are currently over 50 fifth-year seniors eligible at the high-major level and 16 who are not.
Avila's Impact on Saint Louis
Known by nicknames such as Milk Chamberlain, Larry Nerd, Cream Abdul-Jabbar, and Rob Wave, Avila has become one of college basketball's most recognizable players. Last season he averaged 12.8 points and shot 41% from three-point range on 4.6 attempts per game, helping Saint Louis rank second nationally in effective field goal percentage. The Billikens started 24-1, earned an at-large NCAA Tournament bid as a No. 9 seed, and secured their first tournament win since 2014 with a 102-77 victory over Georgia before falling to eventual champion Michigan in the Round of 32. With Avila back, Saint Louis returns four starters and two key rotation players from that tournament team. The Billikens are now the only team in the country to retain three high-volume 40% three-point shooters — Avila, Trey Green, and Ishan Sharma combined for 233 three-pointers last season. When Avila was on the floor, Saint Louis shot 63% at the rim, with 45% of their shots coming at the basket.
Projected Lineup and Outlook
Saint Louis' projected starting lineup features guards Trey Green, Quentin Jones, Ishan Sharma, and Kellen Thames alongside forward Robbie Avila. Top bench options include forwards Alon Michaeli, Jax Kerr, Cam Hutson, and Luke Laczkowski, guard Amari McCottry, and center Sheek Pearson. Expectations are high for a team that held off high-major suitors for coach Josh Schertz, considered the hottest name in the coaching carousel. If Avila can play, the Billikens look like a top-25 team and the firm Atlantic 10 favorite, though VCU will have a say in that.
