Robbie Avila sidelined with ankle sprain in Saint Louis

Robbie Avila, a standout center for Saint Louis, is sidelined for several weeks due to a sprained ankle sustained during a recent event. The injury occurred on Friday night during the Billikens Basketball Night festivities. Avila, who stands at 6-foot-10, transferred to Saint Louis from Indiana State, where he had a remarkable season, averaging 17.4 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 4.1 assists. His performance earned him first-team All-Missouri Valley honors and he played a crucial role in leading Indiana State to the NIT championship game. Known for his unique skill set, including a strong three-point shooting ability and elite passing for his size, Avila became a prominent figure in college basketball, earning various nicknames. His coach at Indiana State, Josh Schertz, moved to Saint Louis, bringing Avila along with him, highlighting the strong connection between the player and coach. Despite the injury, Avila is expected to recover in time for the start of the regular season, which begins on November 4 against Santa Clara. His absence will be felt as he was a key player in the team's offensive strategy, contributing to one of the most effective offenses in the nation last season.