What Happened to Robbie Avila?
Robbie Avila is an American basketball player known for his distinctive goggles and versatile play as a center. After a standout collegiate career at Indiana State and Saint Louis, where he earned Atlantic 10 Player of the Year honors in 2026, he went undrafted in the 2026 NBA Draft but subsequently signed an Exhibit 10 contract with the Los Angeles Lakers in June 2026.
Quick Answer
Robbie Avila, the college basketball sensation often nicknamed 'Cream Abdul-Jabbar,' concluded a highly decorated collegiate career in 2026, culminating in Atlantic 10 Player of the Year honors at Saint Louis University. Despite going undrafted in the 2026 NBA Draft on June 24, 2026, he quickly secured an Exhibit 10 contract with the Los Angeles Lakers on June 25, 2026. He is now preparing to participate in the NBA Summer League and training camp with the Lakers.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline13 events
Born in Oak Forest, Illinois
Roberto 'Robbie' Avila was born in Oak Forest, Illinois.
High School Career at Oak Forest
Avila attended Oak Forest High School, becoming the school's all-time leading scorer and earning various accolades.
Freshman Year at Indiana State
Avila played his freshman season at Indiana State, averaging 10.7 points and 4 rebounds, and was named to the MVC All-Freshman Team.
Named MVC Player of the Week
Avila earned Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Week honors after averaging 22 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 4.5 assists over two games.
Career-High 35 Points
Avila scored a career-high 35 points in an 85-67 victory over Evansville, helping clinch a share of the regular-season MVC title.
Enters NCAA Transfer Portal
After leading Indiana State to the NIT final, Avila announced his entry into the NCAA transfer portal.
Transfers to Saint Louis University
Avila committed to transfer to Saint Louis University, following his former Indiana State head coach Josh Schertz.
Suffers Ankle Injury
Avila was helped off the court with a right ankle injury during Saint Louis' season-opening loss to Santa Clara.
Second-team All-Atlantic 10
In his junior year at Saint Louis, Avila earned Second-team All-Atlantic 10 honors, averaging 17.3 points and 6.9 rebounds.
Interview on Senior Season Expectations
Avila expressed his desire for his senior year to be his 'best ride' with Saint Louis, aiming for an Atlantic 10 championship and NCAA Tournament appearance.
Named A-10 Player of the Year, Leads SLU to NCAA Second Round
Avila was named Atlantic 10 Player of the Year and led Saint Louis to a school-record 29 wins and an NCAA Tournament second-round appearance.
Undrafted in 2026 NBA Draft
Robbie Avila went undrafted in the 2026 NBA Draft.
Signs Exhibit 10 Contract with Los Angeles Lakers
Avila signed an Exhibit 10 contract with the Los Angeles Lakers, providing an opportunity to join their Summer League and training camp.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Robbie Avila, born Roberto Avila on September 10, 2003, in Oak Forest, Illinois, established himself as a prominent figure in college basketball. His high school career at Oak Forest High School saw him become the school's all-time leading scorer, showcasing early signs of his versatile offensive game.
Avila began his collegiate journey at Indiana State University in 2022. As a freshman, he was named to the MVC All-Freshman Team. His sophomore season (2023-2024) was a breakout year, where he averaged 17.4 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game, earning First-team All-Missouri Valley Conference honors and a Lou Henson All-America selection. During this period, Avila gained national attention for his unique playing style, prescription goggles, and playful nicknames such as 'Cream Abdul-Jabbar' and 'College Jokic,' as he led the Sycamores to a 32-7 record and an appearance in the NIT final.
Following the 2023-2024 season, Avila entered the NCAA transfer portal on April 9, 2024, a decision that coincided with Indiana State coach Josh Schertz's departure for Saint Louis University. On April 20, 2024, Avila announced his transfer to Saint Louis, reuniting with Coach Schertz. His junior year (2024-2025) at Saint Louis saw him earn Second-team All-Atlantic 10 honors, despite an ankle injury suffered early in the season.
His senior season (2025-2026) at Saint Louis was even more successful. Avila was named the Atlantic 10 Player of the Year and a First-team All-Atlantic 10 selection, leading the Billikens to a school-record 29 wins, a share of the Atlantic 10 regular-season championship, and an appearance in the second round of the NCAA Tournament. He concluded his four-year NCAA career with 1,990 points, 473 assists, and 214 three-pointers.
After his impressive college career, Robbie Avila declared for the 2026 NBA Draft. Although he went undrafted on June 24, 2026, his professional aspirations quickly materialized. On June 25, 2026, Avila signed an Exhibit 10 contract with the Los Angeles Lakers. This contract provides him an opportunity to showcase his skills during the NBA Summer League and training camp, with the potential to convert to a two-way contract or earn a bonus if he joins the Lakers' G League affiliate. As of July 12, 2026, Avila is preparing for his professional debut with the Lakers organization.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Robbie Avila made different choices?