TCU is closing in on a major frontcourt addition, with the Horned Frogs nearing a deal to bring in reigning Atlantic 10 Player of the Year Robbie Avila, according to sources confirmed to the Star-Telegram on Thursday.
CBS Sports college basketball insider Jon Rothstein was first to report the development.
Avila spent last season at Saint Louis, where he averaged 12.8 points, 4.5 rebounds and 4.1 assists. His eligibility had expired after the season, but he received a preliminary injunction for another year last week. Even with that ruling, he could not return to Saint Louis because of roster limits, opening the door for TCU to enter the picture.
The move would give the Horned Frogs a needed boost in the middle at a time when they are already dealing with an absence inside. TCU head coach Jamie Dixon said the program would be without starting center Luke Bamgboye “for a while.” Bamgboye, a Texas Tech transfer, has missed the last two games, including Tuesday’s 100-92 double overtime win over Louisiana-Monroe.
At 6-foot-10 and 240 pounds, Avila brings both size and experience. He began his college career at Indiana State, where he earned Missouri Valley Conference all-freshman honors in 2023 and followed that with first-team All-MVC recognition in 2024. After transferring to Saint Louis, he was a two-team All-Atlantic 10 selection.
Avila went undrafted after last season but played for the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA Summer League. New NCAA rules that allow players to have five seasons of eligibility created the path for Avila and others to pursue another season.
TCU’s next game is Friday night against Milwaukee at 7 p.m. at Schollmaier Arena. The Horned Frogs also have a key matchup against Texas A&M on Nov. 19.
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