SLU Billikens Aim for NCAA Tournament with Enhanced Roster and Star Robbie Avila

St. Louis University men’s basketball is gearing up for a season filled with high expectations, fueled by an influx of talent and the anticipated breakout senior campaign of center Robbie Avila. After a challenging first year adapting to the Atlantic 10, Avila, alongside a bolstered roster, is determined to lead the Billikens back to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2019.

Robbie Avila’s Journey: From Adaptation to Dominance

Robbie Avila’s debut season with the Billikens in 2024-25 was far from smooth. Plagued by multiple injuries and a lack of team depth that forced him to play extended minutes, he faced an uphill battle adjusting to the more physical play of the Atlantic 10 conference. Despite these hurdles, his statistics remained remarkably consistent with his previous year at Indiana State, showcasing his underlying talent.

However, numbers alone don’t tell the full story. As both Avila and Coach Josh Schertz acknowledged, SLU fans didn’t witness the “full Robbie Avila Experience” last season. Avila himself admitted he “never really felt like I was 100% out there.” This season promises a different narrative, with Avila now healthy, experienced in the A-10, and surrounded by a significantly improved supporting cast.

A Look at Avila’s First Season vs. Indiana State

While the context and personal experience differed greatly, Avila’s core statistics remained steady, demonstrating his consistent offensive production.

Notably, Avila led all centers in the conference in both 3-pointers and assists per game in his initial SLU season, hinting at his versatile skill set even when not at peak physical condition. Coach Schertz emphasized that, despite similar raw numbers, the team was “a much better 13” points per game from Avila in preseason, implying a more efficient and impactful performance within the new team structure.

Enhanced Depth and Strategic Play

The Billikens’ new season, tipping off against Southeast Missouri at Chaifetz Arena, brings with it solutions to many of the issues that hampered Avila last year. His ankles are fine, he understands the A-10, and crucially, the team’s depth has dramatically improved. Avila will no longer be forced to play 40 minutes per game, allowing him to stay fresher and play at his peak performance level.

The addition of another big man, Paul Otieno, is particularly significant. This provides more favorable defensive matchups for Avila and allows Coach Schertz to experiment with different defensive strategies, sometimes asking Avila to guard outside while Otieno handles the paint. In preseason games, Avila showcased increased efficiency, averaging 13 points, 4.5 rebounds, and over four assists with just one turnover in two games, highlighting his enhanced role within the team’s concepts.

Loyalty Beyond the Numbers: Avila’s Commitment to SLU

In an era of rampant transfer portal activity and lucrative NIL deals, Robbie Avila’s unwavering commitment to St. Louis University stands out. Immediately after SLU’s loss to Loyola Chicago in the A-10 tournament, Avila declared his intention to return for his senior season. His discussion with Coach Schertz regarding compensation was brief, lasting “five minutes.”

Schertz lauded Avila’s loyalty and character, noting he “obviously turned down a ton of money to stay and play for me.” Avila himself echoed this sentiment, valuing the “great experience” and the team’s system over potentially higher earnings elsewhere. He believes “the grass isn’t always greener on the other side,” highlighting his trust in the program and his desire for collective success.

A Revitalized Roster: Addressing Key Needs

Coach Schertz has been active in the transfer market, strategically recruiting players to address specific team needs: ball handling, rebounding, and 3-point shooting. New additions include guards Quez Johnson, Trey Green, and Dion Brown, alongside forwards Ishan Sharma and Brady Dunlap. Kellen Thymes, who battled cramping issues last season, is now healthy, and Amari McCettry, who finished last season strong, is expected to play an even bigger role.

This bolstered roster provides the depth and versatility needed to support Avila and allow the team to compete at a higher level, making a run for the NCAA Tournament a tangible goal.

FAQs About the Upcoming SLU Season

• Why was Robbie Avila’s first season at SLU challenging?
  Avila faced multiple injuries, struggled to adapt to the more physical Atlantic 10, and was forced to play excessive minutes due to a lack of team depth.
• What makes this season different for Avila and the Billikens?
  Avila is now healthy, has a year of A-10 experience, and is supported by a significantly deeper and more talented roster. This means fewer minutes per game for him, keeping him fresh and allowing him to play at his peak.
• Did Robbie Avila consider entering the transfer portal for more NIL opportunities?
  No, Avila expressed strong loyalty to SLU and Coach Schertz, prioritizing the team experience and his role in the system over potential financial gains elsewhere.
• What improvements has Coach Schertz made to the team roster?
  Schertz brought in new guards (Quez Johnson, Trey Green, Dion Brown) and forwards (Paul Otieno, Ishan Sharma, Brady Dunlap) to enhance ball handling, rebounding, and 3-point shooting. Key returning players like Kellen Thymes are also healthy.
• What is the ultimate goal for the SLU men’s basketball team this season?
  Both Robbie Avila and Coach Schertz are driven to lead the Billikens back to the NCAA Tournament, viewing it as a crucial validation for the program, the team, and the city of St. Louis.

With a healthy and motivated Robbie Avila, combined with a deeper and more skilled roster, Billiken fans have every reason to be optimistic. Get ready to cheer them on at Chaifetz Arena as they chase their NCAA Tournament dreams!

Avila and SLU Billikens Eye NCAA Tournament Return