Robbie Avila: March Madness Sensation & "College Jokic" Eyeing the NBA

Robbie Avila made waves during college basketball's March Madness, captivating audiences with his unique nicknames, distinctive appearance, and impressive performance.

Known by a variety of creative nicknames such as Cream Abdul Jabbar, Milk Chamberlain, LeBron Frames, Larry Nerd, and Steph Blurry, Robbie Avila has drawn comparisons to several NBA legends.

While it's unlikely Avila, also dubbed 'College Jokic,' will fully live up to the immense expectations playfully placed upon him, he's far more than just a social media meme.

"I've never seen a player like him, truly never," exclaimed teammate Dion Brown after Saint Louis's victory over Georgia in the NCAA Tournament's first round, a sentiment echoed by many fans.

For those less familiar with college basketball or recent online trends, the 22-year-old might have been an unknown quantity. His initial appearance on the court, marked by a lack of traditional athleticism and his distinctive glasses (which inspired many of his nicknames), often makes him seem out of place.

However, Brown's praise primarily focused on Avila's exceptional and versatile talent.

Avila Delivers Highlights and Surprises

Opponents frequently underestimate the center. Avila himself noted in 2024 that many players take him too lightly, recalling instances where rivals complimented a strong move, admitting they hadn't expected it.

Nevertheless, opponents quickly learn not to repeat that mistake. In his last three college seasons, Avila consistently averaged over 4 assists per game. No pass seems too complex for him, and he often delivers flashy plays for highlight reels. SLU-Guard Trey Green reverently dubbed him "Baby Jokic," explaining, "Even if he's not the fastest player, he can read the game at a high tempo, which slows it down for us."

Nikola Jokic as a Role Model: Avila Can Score from Anywhere

"He's definitely someone I look up to," Avila stated when asked about Nikola "Joker" Jokic. "Jokic is a big man who can score both inside and from long range. His playmaking is something I strive to emulate."

Like his idol, Avila led his team in assists last year (4.1 APG) and was also their top scorer (12.8 PPG), demonstrating his ability to score from anywhere on the court. He possesses various post-up moves, but more frequently, he rolls off pick-and-rolls, converting over half his attempts as a finisher, or even acting as the primary ball-handler.

Alternatively, he excels at pick-and-pop actions, emerging behind the three-point line after setting a screen. Throughout his college career, he's evolved from a good shooter to a very good one. In his first year at Indiana State, he attempted 2.7 threes per game, hitting 33.7%. Over the next three years, he consistently took at least four attempts per game, with an impressive 41.0% conversion rate this year.

Avila Possesses a 'Superpower' — and Obvious Weaknesses

However, Avila shares some weaknesses with Jokic. When discussing his NBA draft prospects, he admitted, "My athleticism will be a bit of a challenge. I'll try to compensate with my strength, but I can't jump very high or move very fast, so I need to work on that."

While it's unlikely he'll be a dominant defensive force in the NBA, Avila understands his role and accurately assesses his own abilities. Assistant Coach Zak Boisvert recently praised his "superhero," stating, "Knowing who you are and not trying to be someone you're not is a superpower. And this guy has figured that out."

Boisvert recognized Avila's potential early on, ensuring Head Coach Josh Schertz acquired his desired big man with point-guard skills in Indiana, despite Avila initially not passing the "look test" by his own admission. After closer examination, Schertz fully committed to Avila.

What's Next for Avila?

Schertz implemented an offensive system designed for Avila to excel. When Schertz moved to Saint Louis, Avila followed immediately. Over their two years together with the Billikens, the successful duo achieved a 48-20 record and set numerous benchmarks.

"Success has always followed him everywhere. That's no coincidence," Schertz remarked admiringly. "Nobody on our team contributed more to our victories than Robbie."

However, their run in this year's tournament ended last weekend in the Round of 32. After their opening victory against Georgia, Saint Louis was decisively defeated 92-72 by the Michigan Wolverines. It marked Avila's final college game and his last alongside Coach Schertz. Visibly emotional after the game, Avila commented, "Everyone knows our relationship. It's going to be tough not having him by my side next season."

Avila's plans for next season remain uncertain. Even if he were to retire from basketball, this year's fan favorite will undoubtedly be remembered. A move to play internationally is also a possibility.

Alternatively, he might try his luck in the NBA draft. Even if he's a second-round pick, it wouldn't be unprecedented, as his idol also experienced a similar draft position.