Robbie Avila’s Journey: From High School to College Basketball Stardom

ST. LOUIS — As he stepped into his senior year at Oak Forest High, Robbie Avila sported a brand new look. For years, he had been a fixture in prescription Rec Specs goggles, a choice made by his parents to save on the constant replacement of broken glasses. Since sixth grade, these goggles had become synonymous with him, especially after a few unfortunate incidents involving wrestling matches with his brother. In those moments, he’d often shout, “Wait, my glasses!” only for one of them to end up pinned right on top of them.

On the basketball court, the Rec Specs served as his superpower. They gave him a distinctive appearance, and many doubted his abilities. “People always doubted him,” said his father, Juan. “No matter where we went, he would hear it, and he would silently pick them apart.”

By eighth grade, Avila had persuaded his parents to let him wear glasses again. As he approached college, he decided to try contacts. The transition was not smooth; he struggled to fit them into his eyes, and they felt uncomfortable. Eventually, his older brother voiced a thought that resonated: “Who are you trying to be?” “You’re Robbie with the goggles,” he reminded him. “If you don’t have your goggles, you’re not Robbie.”

Fast forward three years, and Robbie with the goggles has become one of the most recognized faces in college basketball. Over the course of the 2023-24 season, he evolved into a cult hero, thanks in part to his unique eyewear, a tattoo sleeve, and a skill set that belied his pudgy frame, drawing comparisons to the likes of Nikola Jokić without raising any eyebrows. His collection of nicknames grew as well—Cream Abdul-Jabbar, Larry Blurred, Larry Nerd, and Milk Chamberlain among them. His personal favorite, Rob Wave—a nod to his favorite musician Rod Wave—has yet to catch on as much as the others.

Adding to his appeal was the fact that he played for an exciting mid-major team, regarded as the best Indiana State team since Larry Bird graced the campus. The Sycamores boasted the most efficient half-court offense in the nation, a beautiful blend of spacing, shooting, and cutting, with Avila serving as the central hub. “No one knows who Robbie Avila is if he was on a 12-20 team,” remarked Josh Schertz, head coach of that team.

Indiana State clinched the Missouri Valley Conference regular-season title for only the third time in history but faced disappointment when they were snubbed for an NCAA Tournament bid following an upset loss to Drake in the MVC tournament final. Both Schertz and Avila now aim to replicate that success at Saint Louis, where Schertz and several key contributors from Indiana State have joined after a challenging 13-20 season. Schertz believes he has an opportunity because he managed to convince his most pivotal player to follow him.

From the moment Schertz first laid eyes on Avila, he recognized the potential that others overlooked. Three years ago, he drove into the Oak Forest parking lot in his brown Ford Edge, hoping to recruit a player he believed could transform his program. Just ahead of him pulled in a luxury SUV, and a tall man with a chiseled jawline stepped out. “Who is that?” Schertz’s wife, Natalia, asked, her curiosity piqued.

It was Ben Jacobson, the Northern Iowa coach and the Missouri Valley’s all-time winningest coach. “Oh wow,” Natalia remarked. “He’s very handsome. You have no chance against him.”

Schertz had quickly fallen for Avila during the summer of 2021. He messaged assistant Zak Boisvert mid-game, convinced he had found “the one.” From that moment on, either Schertz or Boisvert made the three-hour drive to the south suburbs of Chicago every week to show Avila just how much they wanted him.

Schertz was aware he was the underdog in this recruitment battle. Jacobson could showcase highlights of former MVC Player of the Year Seth Tuttle or Jordan Eglseder, who once stunned the overall No. 1 seed Kansas to propel UNI to the Sweet 16. Meanwhile, Schertz had to rely on recruiting footage from his Division II team at Lincoln Memorial, and at 5-foot-8 with a bald head—his childhood nickname “POOH” tattooed on his right arm—he lacked the imposing stature of Jacobson.

Determined to make an impression, Schertz faked needing to use the restroom just before Oak Forest coach Matt Manzke was set to speak to the recruits, allowing him to go second. His concluding pitch to Avila was simple yet profound: “You don’t look like a player; I don’t look like a coach, but I truly believe we could connect and accomplish something special if you trust me.”

Avila told the coaches he would make a decision within 24 to 48 hours, but days passed without any word. He neglected to return calls or texts. Typically, he would discuss such decisions with his parents, but this time he remained silent. Two weeks later, during a drive to a youth football game, he shared with his dad that he was leaning toward Northern Iowa. Juan congratulated him but insisted he call both coaches when they returned home. Avila entered the garage and emerged 45 minutes later, still without making the call. It just didn’t feel right.

Another two weeks went by, and he kept revisiting Schertz’s pitch. Fresh off his own identity crisis—“You’re Robbie with the goggles”—the message resonated deeply with him.

On October 22, 2021, Schertz’s phone rang, and he still keeps that FaceTime at the bottom of his call log, a cherished record of the day that would alter the course of both his and Avila’s futures. Avila would go on to average 17.4 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game in his final season with the Sycamores.

The final clip during that summer’s last film session at Saint Louis showed Avila tumbling to the floor during practice. He exclaimed that he had been tripped by a teammate, but assistant Phil Gaetano rewound the footage for everyone to see. “He lifted his heel up!” Avila protested, later admitting he was simply tired. Known to untie his shoes during practice to snag a breather, he laughed along with the others as they relived the moment. Another clip captured Schertz taking a tumble while rounding second base during a summer softball game with the Billikens. Avila was the loudest heckler in the room, making light of the situation.

“Those two,” said former Indiana State guard Julian Larry, “they’re like a dynamic comedy duo.”

When Schertz accepted the job at Saint Louis after leading Indiana State to the NIT championship game, he felt confident Avila would join him. They had discussed this possibility just three weeks prior when rumors began circulating about Schertz’s interest in Saint Louis, shortly after the Sycamores’ NCAA Tournament disappointment. The following day, Schertz privately met with each of his starters, not wanting the situation to disrupt their NIT run. He wanted their input: if they wanted to stay, he’d stay; if they wished to follow him, he would welcome that; and he understood if anyone chose to explore other options regardless of his decision. That night, Avila texted Schertz: “Whatever you do, I’m rocking with you.”

Avila entered the transfer portal with a “Do not contact” request next to his name, but college coaches reached out to his former high school coach anyway. Many of the big-name schools that had previously overlooked him were now vying for his attention. “The amount of money he turned down to come here is pretty significant,” Schertz said. “It’s a testament to who he is and our relationship.”

Now, this duo faces the challenge of proving that their earlier success was not merely a product of favorable circumstances in Terre Haute, but rather that their partnership can reignite another program. Avila has already earned a catchy new nickname (“SLU Alcindor”), and his point guard Isaiah Swope has followed him, but Schertz knows that success is not guaranteed in a more competitive league. “That team fit together perfectly,” he reflected. “But even that team, if they’d come back, doesn’t mean it would have symmetrically fit together just as flawlessly this year. Guys might have wanted more.”

The game will come easily to their teammates if they learn to space and cut effectively, allowing Avila to generate what Schertz calls the most efficient shot in basketball: a non-dribble layup. “We have the best passing big in college basketball,” Schertz told his team over the summer. “If I’m you guys, I’m cutting with great pace.”

No team scored more efficiently off cuts than Indiana State last season, according to Synergy’s data. Other coaches frequently ask Schertz how he gets his players to cut so hard. The answer is simple: they know they’re going to get the ball from their big man. “He helped elevate my cutting to another level,” remarked former teammate Jayson Kent.

Avila is a magician when it comes to passing. He keenly observes the cutting defender’s head; when that head turns, it doesn’t matter if it appears that his teammate lacks an advantage—he knows he can squeeze the ball in. Some players can make that pass, but their turnover rates often soar when they seek the spotlight. What distinguishes Avila, as noted by a coach who has studied him, is his ability to connect with both singles and home runs.

The lineup around him appears promising on paper. Schertz successfully persuaded sharpshooter Gibson Jimerson to remain at SLU. Kalu Anya embodies the type of defensive-minded big that Schertz knew was essential to complement Avila in the frontcourt. Most importantly, Avila required a reliable pick-and-roll partner, which made Swope’s commitment crucial.

During recruiting visits, Schertz often engages his players, placing recruits in a room with only players and allowing the family to ask anything. The recruits can request specific players or leave it to the coaches, and Avila is always included in these discussions. On his Indiana State visit a year ago, Swope asked Avila why he didn’t transfer for more money after his freshman year. Avila spoke about the system, the culture, and how he felt valued and correctly used in the program. “You hear a lot throughout the world, especially with NIL stuff, a lot of people are money-driven and just up and leave,” Swope noted. “I’m not wired that way. What he said resonated with me—finding a place where it’s about the love of the game and getting better each day.”

The two engage like brothers during practice, often bonding but occasionally clashing when pitted against one another. When paired together, they seldom lose.

Avila takes it upon himself to help bring the rest of the team up to speed. “He’s a rare guy who brings the vision of what we want to achieve as a program to the court and locker room every single day,” Schertz said. “He’s not degrading or demeaning; he’s encouraging while holding guys accountable. He will certainly address anything that stands in the way of winning, but he does it in a way that uplifts rather than diminishes.”

There’s always an element of self-deprecating humor woven in as well. During a scrimmage, as the SLU players gathered at half court, Avila backed away from the center circle and turned to Kalu. “Forty-inch vert with a 7-3 wingspan,” he joked. “I’ve got a minus wingspan.”

“You just want to be around him and hang out with him,” Kent said. “He’s very inclusive, from grad guys all the way down to freshmen.”

This inclusivity is why there was never any jealousy among his former teammates last season, they claimed, despite Avila’s star shining brighter than anyone else’s. The only time the attention seemed to faze him was during Christmas dinner, when he exclaimed, “Holy f—! Excuse my language, guys. Mark Cuban just followed me.”

During a media day at Saint Louis this summer, Avila realized he was wearing his glasses just before an on-camera interview. He dashed past Natalia on his way to the locker room. When she asked what he was doing, he replied, “I gotta go put on the goggles. That’s what they’re here for. They’re coming to see the goggles, not me.”

Robbie with the goggles has fully embraced his brand. He secured an NIL deal with Bommarito Automotive, which provided him with a Cadillac CT5V. Last season, he used his celebrity (and NIL funds) to buy Nike Zoom Freak 2 sneakers for the Oak Forest basketball players and coaches. He saw media opportunities as a chance to “exemplify my teammates and elevate them as well.”

Moreover, he has become a role model for younger athletes who wear glasses. He has received letters from parents and children expressing gratitude for making goggles cool. “I want to use my platform to shine a light on kids who wear goggles,” he stated. “Some kids face ridicule. I experienced teasing in my youth. I want kids to know it’s perfectly fine to be yourself. You don’t need to change.”

However, Avila is embracing one change. He is determined to make it to the NCAA Tournament this season after narrowly missing out last year. He recognized that he could improve his performance as a junior by shedding some weight. He has altered his eating habits, but he humorously noted that it doesn’t help when Swope texts him every other day, suggesting a trip to Baskin Robbins. “My body’s not like yours!” he quipped back to Swope.

Ultimately, he hopes to eliminate the “pudgy” from the description that helped him gain fame. Yet, a more difficult transition may involve switching to a new pair of goggles for the upcoming season. Although the wear and tear from last season rendered his game-day specs almost unusable at times—he had backups for practice—he refused to wear a different pair during games. Natalia kept black tape and Krazy Glue handy in her bag, performing surgeries on the goggles multiple times. Avila lives by his father’s favorite saying: “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”

That’s why Robbie with the goggles is now a Billiken. He’s far from finished making his mark alongside a coach who understands that image isn’t everything.