Judge Clears Robbie Avila to Play Fifth College Season

A Missouri court has cleared Saint Louis forward Robbie Avila to compete in another college basketball season, granting him a preliminary injunction Thursday, November 5, 2026. The decision allows the 23-year-old Atlantic 10 Player of the Year to play a fifth season while his eligibility case proceeds.

St. Louis City Circuit Judge Jason Sengheiser also authorized Saint Louis to maintain a 16th roster spot for Avila until a trial takes place. The trial could be several months away, potentially allowing the forward to remain available throughout the season.

The ruling arrives as the Billikens prepare for a nationally prominent matchup against Missouri on Friday night. Avila is expected to face Missouri forward Mark Mitchell, who has also been involved in a college eligibility dispute.

Avila previously played two seasons at Indiana State under coach Josh Schertz before following him to Saint Louis. He averaged 17.3 points as a junior and 12.8 points last season, according to his college career statistics.

The 6-foot-10 forward has started 132 of his 137 career games. His return strengthens a Saint Louis program coming off a 29-6 season and an Atlantic 10 regular-season championship.

The Billikens entered last season's NCAA tournament as a No. 9 seed. They defeated Georgia in the opening round before losing to eventual national champion Michigan.

Avila's case is part of a broader dispute involving college athletes seeking additional eligibility after the NCAA announced a five-for-five model earlier this year. The policy provides five seasons of competition within a five-year period, beginning when athletes turn 19 or graduate from high school, whichever comes first.

However, the revised policy was not intended to cover athletes from the 2022 class who had already exhausted their eligibility. That distinction triggered lawsuits involving athletes from multiple sports across the country.

Many judges have granted preliminary relief to athletes challenging their eligibility restrictions. However, potential NCAA appeals have created uncertainty for players and coaches because successful appeals could reverse eligibility decisions.

Gonzaga coach Mark Few criticized the NCAA's handling of the situation and supported athletes from the affected class.

"The NCAA screwed up on this deal. You've got to be fair and let these [class of] '22s in," Gonzaga coach Mark Few said recently.

The eligibility dispute has also involved athletes who participated in professional basketball activities without signing professional contracts. Avila played for the Los Angeles Lakers during the NBA's summer league but never signed a professional deal.

Missouri forward Mark Mitchell also participated in the NBA summer league, playing for the Denver Nuggets. He was among the athletes involved in a Kentucky lawsuit that secured temporary eligibility for 38 football and basketball players.

Duke coach Jon Scheyer has warned that ongoing litigation could create changing eligibility situations throughout the college basketball season.

"I think these cases are going to go well into the season. I think no question you're going to have cases where certain players get an injunction, they're eligible for a certain period, and then they're not," Duke coach Jon Scheyer said recently.