Robbie Avila

Last updated
Robbie Avila
Robbie Avila 2024.jpg
Avila with Indiana State in 2024
No. 21–Saint Louis Billikens
Position Center
League Atlantic 10 Conference
Personal information
Born (2003-09-10) September 10, 2003 (age 21)
Oak Forest, Illinois, U.S.
Listed height6 ft 10 in (2.08 m)
Listed weight240 lb (109 kg)
Career information
High school Oak Forest
(Oak Forest, Illinois)
College
Career highlights and awards
  • First-team All-MVC (2024)
  • MVC All-Freshman team (2023)

Robbie Avila (born September 10, 2003) is an American college basketball player for the Saint Louis Billikens. He previously played for the Indiana State Sycamores of the Missouri Valley Conference.

Contents

High school career

Avila attended Oak Forest High School in Oak Forest, Illinois. [1] [2] As a junior, Avila averaged 25.5 points and 11.5 rebounds. [3] In his final season as a senior, he averaged 23.9 points, 10.6 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 2.1 steals, and two blocks, leading Oak Forest to a 25–8 record and becoming the school's all-time leading scorer. [4]

Recruiting

Avila was ranked as the sixth-best player in the state of Illinois and the 54th best power forward in the country according to 247Sports. [5] He committed to play college basketball at Indiana State University over offers from Appalachian State, Bradley, Loyola Chicago, Richmond, and Southern Illinois. [3]

College career

Indiana State

As a freshman, Avila averaged 10.7 points and four rebounds, being named to the MVC All-Freshman Team. [6] Avila began the next season averaging 16.5 points, 4.2 assists, and 6.6 rebounds through the first ten games of the season, including a 27-point, eight rebound, and eight assist performance against Rice in a 103–88 victory. [7] [8] On January 24, 2024, he was named the conference player of the week after averaging 22 points, 8.5 rebounds and 4.5 assists across a span of two games. [9] Avila scored a career-high 35 points in an 85–67 win over Evansville on February 28, 2024. [10] [11] He finished his sophomore season averaging 17.4 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game, helping lead Indiana State to a 32–7 record and an appearance in the NIT final. [12] On April 9, 2024, Avila announced he was entering the transfer portal. [13]

Saint Louis

On April 20, 2024, Avila announced his decision to transfer to Saint Louis, following his former Sycamores head coach Josh Schertz. [14] [15]

On November 4, 2024, Avila was helped off the court during his team's season opener against Santa Clara University due to a right ankle injury. He drove to the rim and jumped to pass the ball but landed awkwardly and twisted his ankle. [16]

Personal life

Due to similarities in the playstyles of Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokić, Avila has been nicknamed the "College Jokić". [17] [18] He has also been nicknamed "Cream Abdul-Jabbar", after Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (bestowed by Kentucky Wildcats talk radio host Matt Jones), [19] "Larry Nerd", "Larry Blurred", "Steph Blurry", “Milk Chamberlain”,and "Rob Wave" by fans, teammates, and users on Twitter, due to wearing protective goggles. [20] [21] [22] Avila is of Mexican descent through his father. [23]

Career statistics

Legend
  GPGames played  GS Games started MPG Minutes per game
 FG%  Field goal percentage 3P%  3-point field goal percentage FT%  Free throw percentage
 RPG  Rebounds per game APG  Assists per game SPG  Steals per game
 BPG  Blocks per game PPG Points per game Bold Career high

College

YearTeamGPGSMPGFG%3P%FT%RPGAPGSPGBPGPPG
2022–23 Indiana State 342921.3.540.337.7054.01.6.7.410.7
2023–24 Indiana State 373731.2.536.394.8086.64.1.7.6517.4

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kareem Abdul-Jabbar</span> American basketball player (born 1947)

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is an American former basketball player, considered one of the sport's greatest ever players. He played professionally for 20 seasons for the Milwaukee Bucks and Los Angeles Lakers in the National Basketball Association (NBA), and played college basketball for the UCLA Bruins as a center. Abdul-Jabbar won a record six-time NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) awards. He was a 19-time NBA All-Star, a 15-time All-NBA Team member, and an 11-time NBA All-Defensive Team selection. He was a member of six NBA championship teams as a player and two more as an assistant coach, and was twice voted the NBA Finals MVP. He was named to three NBA anniversary teams. Widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time, he has been called the greatest basketball player of all time by many of his contemporaries such as Pat Riley, Isiah Thomas, and Julius Erving. Abdul-Jabbar broke the NBA's career scoring record in 1984, and held it until LeBron James surpassed him in 2023.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Oscar Robertson</span> American basketball player (born 1938)

Oscar Palmer Robertson, nicknamed "the Big O", is an American former professional basketball player who played for the Cincinnati Royals and Milwaukee Bucks in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Robertson played point guard and was a 12-time All-Star, 11-time member of the All-NBA Team, and one-time winner of the MVP award in 14 seasons. In 1962, he became the first player in NBA history to average a triple-double for a season. In the 1970–71 NBA season, he was a key player on the team that brought the Bucks their first NBA title. His playing career, especially during high school and college, was plagued by racism.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Glenn Robinson</span> American basketball player (born 1973)

Glenn Alan Robinson Jr. is an American former professional basketball player. Nicknamed "Big Dog" and "the Chosen One", he played in the National Basketball Association (NBA) from 1994 to 2005 for the Milwaukee Bucks, Atlanta Hawks, Philadelphia 76ers, and San Antonio Spurs. Robinson attended Purdue University and was the first overall pick in the 1994 NBA draft. He is the father of Glenn Robinson III, who played college basketball at the University of Michigan and has also played in the NBA.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">George McGinnis</span> American basketball player (1950–2023)

George F. McGinnis was an American professional basketball player who played 11 seasons in the American Basketball Association (ABA) and National Basketball Association (NBA). He played college basketball for the Indiana Hoosiers, earning third-team All-American honors in 1971, before starting his pro career in the ABA with the Indiana Pacers. A three-time ABA All-Star with the Pacers, McGinnis was named the ABA Most Valuable Player (MVP) in 1975 and won two ABA championships with the team. He was a three-time NBA All-Star with the Philadelphia 76ers. He was named to the ABA All-Time Team and inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">James Edwards (basketball)</span> American basketball player, center

James Franklin Edwards is an American former professional basketball player who was a center in the National Basketball Association (NBA) for the Los Angeles Lakers, Indiana Pacers, Cleveland Cavaliers, Phoenix Suns, Detroit Pistons, Los Angeles Clippers, Portland Trail Blazers, and Chicago Bulls during a career that spanned 19 seasons. Though he never appeared in an All-Star Game, he was a reliable low-post scorer, averaging 12.7 points per game over his career. He played college basketball at the University of Washington.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kent Benson</span> American basketball player (born 1954)

Michael Kent Benson is an American former professional basketball player. He was a two-time All-American for the Indiana Hoosiers, winning the 1976 Helms Foundation Player of the Year and helping lead the Hoosiers to the 1976 NCAA championship with a perfect 32–0 record, with Benson being named the 1976 NCAA Final Four Most Outstanding Player. Benson was the No. 1 overall pick of the 1977 NBA draft by the Milwaukee Bucks, playing 11 seasons in the NBA for Milwaukee (1977–1980), the Detroit Pistons (1980–1986), Utah Jazz (1986–1987) and Cleveland Cavaliers (1988).

Oak Forest High School is a public high school located in Oak Forest, Illinois. It is part of Bremen Community High School District 228 which also includes Tinley Park High School, Hillcrest High School and Bremen High School. It serves most of the community of Oak Forest, as well as portions of Midlothian and Crestwood in Bremen Township in the south suburbs of Chicago in Cook County.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Los Angeles Lakers accomplishments and records</span>

This page details the all-time statistics, records, and other achievements pertaining to the Los Angeles Lakers. The Los Angeles Lakers are an American professional basketball team currently playing in the National Basketball Association.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Indiana State Sycamores men's basketball</span> Mens basketball program

Indiana State Sycamores basketball is the NCAA Division I men's basketball program of Indiana State University in Terre Haute, Indiana. They currently compete in the Missouri Valley Conference. The team last played in the NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament in 2011.

The 1988–89 Los Angeles Lakers season was the 43rd season of the franchise, 41st in the National Basketball Association (NBA) and 29th in Los Angeles. This would also be the final season for All-Star center Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. During the off-season, the Lakers signed free agent Orlando Woolridge. The Lakers entered the season as the two-time defending NBA champions. The team won 15 of their first 18 games, held a 32–15 record at the All-Star break, and finished with a 57–25 record, earning them the top playoff seed in the Western Conference.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Indiana State Sycamores women's basketball</span> American womens college basketball team

The Indiana State Sycamores basketball team is an NCAA Division I women's basketball program of Indiana State University in Terre Haute, Indiana. The Sycamores compete in the Missouri Valley Conference.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Giannis Antetokounmpo</span> Greek-Nigerian basketball player (born 1994)

Giannis Sina Ugo Antetokounmpo is a Greek and Nigerian professional basketball player for the Milwaukee Bucks of the National Basketball Association (NBA). His size, speed, strength, and country of origin have earned him the nickname "Greek Freak". He is widely regarded as one of the greatest power forwards of all time as well as one of the greatest players of all time.

Charles "Butch" Wade was an American collegiate basketball player. He was a member of the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame, and the Indiana State University Athletic Hall of Fame.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Josh Hawkinson</span> American-born Japanese basketball player

Joshua Haakon Hawkinson is an American-born Japanese professional basketball player for Sun Rockers Shibuya of the B.League. He played college basketball for the Washington State Cougars, where he finished his career as the school's all-time leader in rebounds and double-doubles.

John Sherman Williams is a retired American basketball player. He was the Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) Newcomer of the Year, was a four-time all-conference pick and led the MVC in scoring (22.8) for the 1985–86 season.

Eugene German is an American professional basketball player for Beijing Ducks of the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA). He played college basketball for the Northern Illinois Huskies and left as the program's all-time leading scorer and a conference champion.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Indiana State Sycamores men's basketball statistical leaders</span>

The Indiana State Sycamores men's basketball statistical leaders are individual statistical leaders of the Indiana State Sycamores men's basketball program in various categories, including points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks. Within those areas, the lists identify single-game, single-season, and career leaders. The Sycamores represent Indiana State University in the NCAA's Missouri Valley Conference.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jake LaRavia</span> American basketball player (born 2001)

Jacob Glen LaRavia is an American professional basketball player for the Memphis Grizzlies of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He played college basketball for the Indiana State Sycamores and the Wake Forest Demon Deacons.

Isaiah Swope is an American college basketball player for the Saint Louis Billikens of the Atlantic 10 Conference. He previously played for the Southern Indiana Screaming Eagles and Indiana State Sycamores. He is a 5-foot-10-inch (1.78 m) shooting guard.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sydney Parrish</span> American basketball player

Sydney Parrish is an American basketball player. She plays college basketball for the Indiana Hoosiers. She previously played for the Oregon Ducks. In 2020, she was named the Indiana Miss Basketball.

References

  1. ↑ Terry, Jermont (2023-12-20). "Oak Forest grad uses his name, image, and likeness proceeds to give back - CBS Chicago". www.cbsnews.com. Retrieved 2024-01-28.
  2. ↑ "It's an all-around Robbie Avila. He shoots. He scores. But the Indiana State recruit also defends, rebounds and blocks shots for Oak Forest". Chicago Tribune. 2021-12-01. Retrieved 2024-01-28.
  3. 1 2 "'We know he's going to be Robbie': Avila enters senior year at Oak Forest with college recruitment heating up". Chicago Tribune. 2021-08-03. Retrieved 2024-01-28.
  4. ↑ Golden, Todd Aaron (2021-10-23). "New ISU basketball commit Avila keeps Chicago pipeline flowing". Terre Haute Tribune-Star. Retrieved 2024-01-28.
  5. ↑ "'It's An Amazing Feeling': Oak Forest's Avila Gives Back To School". Oak Forest, IL Patch. 2023-12-27. Retrieved 2024-01-28.
  6. ↑ Tribune-Star, Hunter Tickel | (2023-10-19). "ISU to lean on seasoned sophomore Avila". Terre Haute Tribune-Star. Retrieved 2024-01-28.
  7. ↑ Press, Associated (2023-11-22). "Robbie Avila's 27 lead Indiana State over Rice 103-88". Indianapolis News. Retrieved 2024-01-28.
  8. ↑ "'The College Jokic.' Indiana State's goggles-wearing Robbie Avila an unexpected hoops star". The Indianapolis Star. Retrieved 2024-01-28.
  9. ↑ "Avila, Barnes earn conference player of the week honors". Herald Bulletin. 2024-01-23. Retrieved 2024-02-01.
  10. ↑ Tickel, Hunter (2024-02-28). "Avila activated: Forward picks apart Aces in painted area". Terre Haute Tribune-Star. Retrieved 2024-02-29.
  11. ↑ "Robbie Avila scores career-high 35 points, Indiana State knocks off Evansville". WRTV Indianapolis. 2024-02-29. Retrieved 2024-02-29.
  12. ↑ "Indiana State's Robbie Avila consoled by Seton Hall's Shaheen Holloway after NIT championship loss". The Indianapolis Star. Retrieved 2024-04-08.
  13. ↑ "Indiana State star Robbie Avila enters transfer portal". TSN. 2024-04-09. Retrieved 2024-04-09.
  14. ↑ "Robbie Avila following Josh Schertz, transferring to Saint Louis". wthr.com. 2024-04-20. Retrieved 2024-04-21.
  15. ↑ "Indiana St. star Avila follows coach to Saint Louis". ESPN.com. 2024-04-20. Retrieved 2024-04-21.
  16. ↑ "SLU star Avila helped off late with ankle injury". ESPN.com. 4 November 2024. Retrieved 5 November 2024.
  17. ↑ Yusuf, Farouk (2024-01-24). ""I try to model after him": Indiana State center Robbie Avila makes bold comparisons with Nikola Jokic ahead of UIC clash". www.sportskeeda.com. Retrieved 2024-01-28.
  18. ↑ "Who is the Indiana State basketball player with goggles? What you should know about Robbie Avila". The Indianapolis Star. Retrieved 2024-02-15.
  19. ↑ Libit, Daniel (March 9, 2024). "Indiana State Working to Raise NIL Money to Keep Its Hoop Dream Alive". Sportico. Retrieved March 9, 2024.
  20. ↑ Duncan, Kameron (2024-02-29). "'Cream Abdul-Jabbar' Is Everyone's Favorite College Basketball Player". The Spun: What's Trending In The Sports World Today. Retrieved 2024-02-29.
  21. ↑ Diamond, Robert O’Connell and Jared. "Basketball's Newest Star Wears Rec Specs and Goes by 'Cream Abdul-Jabbar'". WSJ. Retrieved 2024-03-09.
  22. ↑ "Sycamore team enjoys all Robbie Avila's nicknames". WTHI-TV. 2024-03-08. Retrieved 2024-03-09.
  23. ↑ Noh, Stephen (March 8, 2024). "Who is Robbie Avila? Meet Indiana State's 'Cream Abdul-Jabbar' who is going viral at Larry Bird's old school". The Sporting News . Retrieved April 4, 2024.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.