Judge Clears Robbie Avila for Saint Louis Basketball
A court order allows the forward to rejoin the Billikens for the upcoming 2026-27 college basketball season.
Updated on Oct. 24, 2026 in Basketball
Live Poll
Should athletes who have played professionally be permitted to return to college sports?
A judge has granted a temporary restraining order allowing Robbie Avila to be placed on the Saint Louis roster for the 2026-27 season. The ruling follows legal efforts by the forward to secure a fifth year of eligibility.
Why it matters
The decision provides immediate roster clarity for Saint Louis as it seeks to build on a 29-win campaign. It also highlights the lack of established conference guidelines for professional athletes attempting to return to collegiate play.
Avila averaged 12.8 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 4.1 assists during the 2025-26 season. Saint Louis enters the year returning 10 players from a team that recorded 29 wins.
The players
Robbie Avila
He is a college basketball forward who previously helped Indiana State reach the NIT title game in 2024.
Jason Sengheiser
He is the judge who issued the court order regarding the athlete's eligibility status.
Saint Louis
This university is the collegiate institution where the athlete is currently enrolled and playing basketball.
Los Angeles Lakers
This professional NBA organization signed the athlete to an Exhibit 10 deal in 2026.
The details
Judge Jason Sengheiser issued the order, enabling Avila to participate despite his prior experience with the Los Angeles Lakers. The forward went undrafted in the 2026 NBA Draft but previously signed an Exhibit 10 deal with the team.
Timeline
Friday, October 23, 2026: Judge granted the temporary restraining order.
Nov. 2, 2026: Saint Louis opens the season against Lehigh.
Nov. 4, 2026: Avila is scheduled to appear in court for another hearing.
Season Trajectory
The return of an experienced starter impacts the competitive balance within the Atlantic 10 conference this season. Integrating a player who has already spent time in a professional system alters the depth chart for the Billikens as they aim for another high-win total.
The court's decision allows the coaching staff to finalize their rotation for the season opener on November 2. Fans and analysts should account for his production levels, as his return adds a statistically significant contributor back to the active roster.
The takeaway
Navigating collegiate eligibility after professional experience remains a complex legal challenge for student-athletes. Players and families should monitor conference rule changes as courts continue to weigh in on these status disputes.
What happens next
Avila is scheduled for a follow-up court hearing on November 4, 2026, which will further address his eligibility status.
Further reading
For more on the team's upcoming schedule, visit St. Louis Basketball.
Source note: This article includes information reported by CBS Sports.
Live Poll
Should athletes who have played professionally be permitted to return to college sports?
