Saint Louis star big man Robbie Avila, the reigning Atlantic 10 Player of the Year, will return to the Billikens for a fifth year of eligibility after a Missouri judge granted a preliminary injunction on Friday, just before the team's non-conference game against rival Missouri.
Judge Jason Sengheiser's order ruled that the NCAA cannot enforce its roster limits to block Avila from rejoining Saint Louis' already-filled 15-man roster. However, the College Sports Commission (CSC) stated it cannot comply with the state court order because adding a 16th player would violate the explicit terms of the federal injunctive relief settlement in House v. NCAA.
The CSC released a statement saying it takes no position on Avila's eligibility but cannot effectuate a state court order that requires violating the settlement. Avila's representation is expected to challenge the CSC's ruling.
Avila, known by nicknames such as "Milk Chamberlain," "Larry Nerd," "Cream Abdul-Jabbar," and "Rob Wave," averaged 12.8 points and shot 41% from three-point range on 4.6 attempts last season. Saint Louis' offense ranked second nationally in effective field goal percentage, and the team started 24-1, earning an at-large bid and a No. 9 seed in the NCAA Tournament. The Billikens defeated Georgia 102-77 in the first round before falling to eventual champion Michigan in the Round of 32, marking the program's first tournament win since 2014.
With Avila back, Saint Louis would return four starters and two key rotation players from last year's tournament run. 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, who combined for 233 three-pointers last season.
Projected starting lineup: G Trey Green, G Quentin Jones, G Ishan Sharma, G Kellen Thames, F Robbie Avila. Top bench options: F Alon Michaeli, G Amari McCottry, F Jax Kerr, Cam Hutson, F Luke Laczkowski, C Sheek Pearson.
