The recent loss of 85-78 to Santa Clara at the Field of 68 Opening Day Showcase in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, triggered a wave of concern among Saint Louis basketball fans, but the true issue lies deeper than the defeat itself. The spotlight has shifted to junior center Robbie Avila, who left the court with an alarming ankle injury that poses more than just a temporary setback for the team.
With only five minutes remaining in a tightly contested game, Avila took it upon himself to drive towards the basket in hopes of making a crucial play. In a moment that has now left fans holding their breath, he awkwardly landed and collapsed to the floor, clearly in distress. The scene when he needed help to get to the locker room was tough for everyone to watch, especially given he didn’t return to the game afterwards.
Adding to the weight of this incident, Avila wasn’t just battling the challenges that come with the season’s start. He had been dealing with injury woes prior to this matchup, having suffered a similar ankle injury earlier in practice, which raised serious concerns about his fitness going into what was supposed to be an exciting opening game. It makes every basketball fan empathize with his situation, as the fears of injury are all too familiar for those who love the sport.
Post-game updates from college basketball insider Jeff Goodman from The Field of 68 painted a worrying picture about Avila’s status. Following a conversation with Saint Louis basketball head coach Josh Schertz, Goodman relayed the unsettling news: “It doesn’t sound great.” He elaborated on Avila’s injury, hinting that it might be related to the previous grade 2 sprain that had previously sidelined him for weeks during the offseason. “Josh indicated to me they will take a cautious approach. We’re not going to put him in jeopardy,” Goodman added, making it clear that while the team hopes for a speedy recovery, they would prioritize his health. The sight of Avila leaving the arena on crutches with his mother undoubtedly tugged at the heartstrings of fans and basketball enthusiasts alike, and speculation remains that he could be out for four to six weeks—raising the question of whether he will be back in time for conference play.
As Saint Louis prepares for the 2024-25 season, the losses of the past linger in the air, especially after a disheartening 2023-24 campaign that saw the Billikens finish 14th in the Atlantic 10 and ultimately lead to the firing of longtime coach Travis Ford. Change is the name of the game, however, and the program has already begun to look ahead. With the hiring of Schertz, who directed Indiana State to an impressive runner-up finish in the NIT last season, there comes renewed hope—a new vision for the future.
Crucially, it’s not just about the coaching changes; Avila himself symbolizes this shift, especially as one of the most promising talents now under Schertz’s guidance. The 6-foot-10 forward made quite an impression during his sophomore season at Indiana State, averaging an admirable 17.4 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game. His ability to score from beyond the arc, coupled with his impressive field goal percentage, made him a sought-after player. The iconic goggles he sports have only added to his charisma on the court, creating a bond with fans who see more than just a player, but a character thriving within the sport.
In the meantime, the Billikens will need strong performances from their remaining roster, including redshirt senior guard Gibson Jimerson and senior guard Isaiah Swope, who transferred from Indiana State alongside Schertz. Together, they represent the heart of the team as they grapple with the loss of Avila and push through the non-conference schedule with hopes still alive.
If everything goes according to plan and Avila makes a timely return, there’s a glimmer of hope that the Billikens could still vie for a spot in the NCAA Tournament. The bond between players, the coaching strategy, and the unwavering support from the community will significantly shape their trajectory this season. Fans will be watching closely, understanding all too well the challenges faced—a journey of resilience and determination lie ahead for both Avila and his teammates. The feeling is mutual: every dunk, every three-pointer, every kid dreaming of basketball stardom is not just a player; they are a part of something larger—a family that rallies together through every hurdle that comes their way.
