Avila Seeks Fifth Season in Court Battle
Former Saint Louis guard Robbie Avila testified seeking to return to the Billikens for a fifth college season after a judge took the case under advisement.
Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Basketball
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Robbie Avila testified in court on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, seeking a fifth college basketball season, and a judge took his eligibility case under advisement. A temporary restraining order is in effect that gives Avila a potential path back to the Billikens.
Why it matters
The ruling could determine whether Avila returns to Saint Louis University for the 2026-27 season under an extra-year eligibility argument tied to the 2022 COVID-19 decision. The outcome also affects competing programs that have inquired about his status.
Avila averaged 12.8 points, 4.5 rebounds and 4.1 assists per game in his senior season, while Oklahoma State reportedly offered a NIL deal between $500,000 and $1 million. A judge has not yet ruled on whether the temporary restraining order will become a preliminary injunction.
The players
Robbie Avila
A 6-foot-10 forward who spent his last two years at Saint Louis University after two seasons at Indiana State and won Atlantic 10 player of the year honors last season.
Saint Louis University Billikens
The Atlantic 10 men's basketball program in St. Louis that Avila hopes to return to for a fifth season.
NCAA
The governing body for college athletics whose eligibility decision Avila is challenging in court.
The details
Avila filed a lawsuit in late September challenging an NCAA eligibility decision, arguing the 2022 COVID-19 extra-year rule should also cover athletes who graduated high school that year. He testified that he did not sign an Exhibit 10 contract with the Los Angeles Lakers but verbally agreed to one before being waived before the 2026-27 NBA season.
Timeline
2022: COVID-19 extra-year eligibility decision granted to college athletes.
Late September 2026: Avila filed his eligibility lawsuit against the NCAA.
Wednesday, November 4, 2026: Avila testified; the judge took the case under advisement.
Friday: The Billikens are scheduled to play Missouri at the Enterprise Center.
Roadmap
Avila's case tests whether the NCAA's 2022 COVID-19 extra-year eligibility decision applies to athletes who graduated high school that year. The outcome could set a precedent for how eligibility rules are applied across college basketball.
If the injunction is granted, Avila could join the Billikens for a fifth season, changing the program's roster for the coming year. A denial would end his path back to Saint Louis for 2026-27.
The takeaway
Eligibility cases like Avila's can hinge on details of how past NCAA rules are applied, so the ruling may carry weight beyond one player. Readers should watch for the judge's decision on the injunction.
What happens next
A judge is expected to rule on Avila's preliminary injunction request before the 15-day temporary restraining order expires.
Further reading
Explore more Basketball coverage for context on college eligibility fights.
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