Where did Robbie Avila come from? The superpowers of Saint Louis star ‘Cream Abdul-Jabbar’
The New York Times • • sports
Key Points:
- Robbie Avila, a 6-foot-10 forward with point-guard skills, has become a key player for Saint Louis in the 2026 NCAA Tournament, known for his exceptional decision-making and basketball IQ despite an unassuming physical appearance.
- Avila followed coach Josh Schertz from Indiana State to Saint Louis, helping lead the Billikens to a 24-1 start and an at-large bid after narrowly missing the NCAA Tournament with Indiana State in 2024.
- Known by nicknames like "Cream Abdul-Jabbar" and "Baby Jokic," Avila averages 12.9 points and 4.6 rebounds this season and is praised for his ability to connect teammates and control the pace of the game
