TCU lands prized transfer after judge’s decision: ‘We got him’

Dixon said Avila and his family contacted him after exhausting options to remain with the Billikens and learning of TCU’s frontcourt injury situation. The Horned Frogs are without 6-foot-10 post Luke Bamgboye, a Texas Tech transfer, for an extended period.

A St. Louis City Circuit Court judge granted Avila a preliminary injunction last week, allowing a fifth year of eligibility. The College Sports Commission then ruled he could not rejoin Saint Louis because the Billikens already had a full 15-player roster under limits tied to the House v. NCAA settlement.

The commission stated there was no available roster slot for him, and Saint Louis did not cut a player to create one. TCU could accommodate the addition through a designated student-athlete exemption that does not count against the same cap.

Avila began his career at Indiana State, where his signature goggles helped make him a recognizable figure, before following coach Josh Schertz to Saint Louis. Last season he averaged 12.8 points and 4.5 rebounds while helping the Billikens post a school-record 29 wins and reach the NCAA Tournament second round, where they fell to eventual national champion Michigan.

Over four seasons, Avila averages 14.5 points and 5.5 rebounds and ranks among the rare centers with 200 made three-pointers. He is immediately eligible for TCU, who are 3-0. His availability for Friday’s game against Milwaukee remains unclear, with the next home contest set against Texas A&M.