Arguably the biggest breakout star of March was Indiana State center Robbie Avila, who had about as many nicknames as points scored as the Sycamores reached the NIT Final. But after their postseason run ended at the hands of Seton Hall, he decided to enter the transfer portal.
Avila averaged 17.4 points, 6.6 rebounds and 4.1 assists per game over 37 games for Indiana State and earned First-team All-MVC honors as a sophomore in 2024. His skill and unique look also earned him a few cute nicknames such as “Cream Abdul-Jabbar,” “Larry Nerd” and “Steph Blurry” among others.
While Avila might not be the next big NBA star, he can be an invaluable piece to just about any roster – particularly in the Power Five and the Big East.
So let’s take a look at a few teams worth watching for as Avila starts looking for a new team to call home:
Saint Louis
The first and most obvious choice has to be at the top of the list given that the Billikens just hired his Indiana State head coach Josh Schertz.
The Atlantic 10 outfit have not been to the NCAA Tournament in five years but got invites to the NIT in 2021 and 2022. Perhaps a player like Avila could get them closer to the top of the mountain.
Purdue
A sudden, glaring roster spot just opened up for the Big Ten regular season champions with Zach Edey set to go pro. Of the options out there for Avila, Purdue also ranks among the closest to where he is now with West Lafayette only about a 90-minute drive from Terre Haute, Indiana.
That said, Purdue might be a tough roster to crack as Matt Painter already has several prized center prospects joining his roster.
Seton Hall
If you can’t beat them, join them? Many basketball fans noted that Seton Hall coach Shaheen Holloway was there to console Avila after his Pirates knocked off Indiana State in the NIT Final. Some believe that it might have been the first case of Holloway trying to recruit Avila into the fold.
Given how close Holloway’s team was to making the NCAA Tournament before being edged out by bid-stealers, perhaps Avila is the final piece to the puzzle in the Big East.
Kentucky
We have to assume that John Calipari is going to be taking some of his current players and recruits with him to Arkansas and if/when he does, there should be spots on the roster open for Avila to take.
At this point, Big Blue Nation is less concerned with getting every five-star prospect that crosses the city limits of Lexington and more concerned with getting players that are proven commodities in March (and April).
Illinois
Born and raised in the Land of Lincoln, Avila could be eyeing a homecoming now that he’s a big basketball star. And if he does want to return to his home state of Illinois, going to the biggest team in the state would be a pretty good choice.
The Fighting Illini have found new life under Brad Underwood, making four straight NCAA Tournaments and reaching the Elite Eight this year. Avila would get a hero’s welcome at State Farm Center if he joins.
*
Where do you think Robbie Avila should transfer to?