The painful 85-78 defeat of Saint Louis basketball against Santa Clara during the Field of 68 Opening Day Showcase in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, on Monday carries more weight beyond just a loss on the scoreboard. The eyes of the fans and the team were fixated on junior center Robbie Avila, who had to be helped off the court late in the game after suffering a significant ankle injury.
With fewer than five minutes to go, Avila made a powerful move towards the basket, aiming to dish a pass to redshirt senior guard Gibson Jimerson. In a heart-stopping moment for fans and teammates alike, he landed awkwardly—his body twisting in ways no athlete wants to experience—prompting immediate concern from everyone watching. The severity of his injury was evident as he required assistance to leave the court, and sadly, he did not return to the game.
This incident wasn’t an isolated concern; Avila had been wrestling with injuries even before the season kicked off. Just before the season began, he had suffered an ankle injury during practice, casting doubts over whether he could contribute to Saint Louis’ season opener. It felt like déjà vu—a talented player hampered by injuries when the team needed him the most.
Following the game, Jeff Goodman, a respected college basketball insider associated with The Field of 68, provided an update on Avila’s condition. After speaking with head coach Josh Schertz, Goodman reported a grim outlook: “It doesn’t sound great,” he relayed. “It appears to be pretty much the same injury he suffered before—a grade 2 sprain that had previously kept him sidelined for three to four weeks during the offseason.”
Schertz plans to take a cautious approach regarding Avila’s recovery, as Goodman noted: “We’re not going to put him in harm’s way.” Avila left the arena on crutches alongside his mother, which only deepened the worries of fans hoping for a swift recovery. Goodman estimated that Avila could be out for the next four to six weeks—a timeline that may keep him from returning until league play begins.
The absence of Avila, who has shown immense skill and potential, throws a cloud over the future of Saint Louis basketball as they aim to rebound from a disappointing 2023-24 season, where they finished 14th in the Atlantic 10. This season also saw the departure of longtime head coach Travis Ford, sparking a wave of changes in hopes of rejuvenation.
Enter Josh Schertz, fresh off a successful stint at Indiana State, where he led his team to an impressive second-place finish in the NIT last season. Schertz aims to rebuild the team while bringing in talented players, including Avila, who has garnered attention as one of college basketball’s standout emerging talents. Standing at 6-10, Avila averaged an impressive 17.4 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 4.1 assists during his sophomore year at Indiana State, showcasing shooting percentages of 39.4% from long range and 53.6% overall. His versatility as a big man and his quirky style, signature goggles and all, have endeared him to the fan base.
However, for the Billikens to stay competitive in Avila’s likely absence, they must hit the ground running and rely on the strengths of their squad, including contributions from Jimerson and senior guard Isaiah Swope, the latter of whom followed Schertz from Indiana State.
If Saint Louis can navigate their non-conference schedule successfully and if, as Goodman suggests, Avila finds his way back to the lineup before league play begins, there’s still a chance for the Billikens to become strong contenders for an at-large invitation to the NCAA Tournament. It’s a tough road ahead, but one that could still lead to brighter days for both Avila and Saint Louis basketball. The journey won’t be easy, but with determination and resilience, hope still glimmers for this program and its dedicated supporters.
As fans keep a close watch on Avila’s recovery, they remain ready to rally behind their team, hoping to see their star player back on the court where he belongs, confidently driving to the basket once more.
