Robbie Avila is finalizing a deal to transfer to TCU, according to ESPN. The Horned Frogs make a major addition two weeks into the 2026-27 college basketball season.
Avila, who is the reigning Atlantic 10 Player of the Year, is expected to arrive on campus this week as the sides work to reportedly complete the agreement.
The 6-foot-10 forward has scored nearly 2,000 career points and will bring significant experience to a TCU team, who opened the season 3-0. This also comes after a complicated eligibility dispute involving Avila and Saint Louis, where he spent the past two seasons after beginning his career at Indiana State. Last week, a St. Louis City Circuit Court judge granted Avila a preliminary injunction, allowing him to play a fifth college season.
Avila had a stint with the Los Angeles Lakers after going undrafted in the 2026 NBA Draft. He signed an Exhibit 10 contract over the summer. The ruling also permitted Saint Louis to temporarily exceed the NCAA’s 15-player roster limit to accommodate him.
However, the College Sports Commission denied Saint Louis’ request to add a 16th player, effectively preventing Avila from returning to the Billikens. That forced the veteran forward to explore other options, with TCU emerging as his likely destination.
Avila became a national sensation at Indiana State, where he played two seasons under coach Josh Schertz before following him to Saint Louis. He averaged 17.3 points per game during the 2024-25 season and 12.8 points last season. He affectionately plays under the nickname Cream Abdul-Jabar.
In 137 career games, Avila has made 132 starts. His combination of size, passing ability and perimeter shooting has made him one of the more recognizable players in college basketball, with his signature glasses adding to his popularity and the nickname.
TCU has reached the NCAA Tournament in four of the past five seasons under Dixon. Adding Avila provides the Horned Frogs with an experienced front court presence as they look to remain competitive in the Big 12.
