SLU’s Avila assisted off with apparent ankle injury

• Jeff Borzello, ESPN

  • Staff WriterNov 4, 2024, 05:41 PM ET Close Basketball recruiting insider.
  • Joined ESPN in 2014.
  • Graduate of University of Delaware.Saint Louis star

big man Robbie Avila suffered what seemed a best ankle injury late in Monday’s season-opening loss to Santa Clara.With under five minutes left in the 2nd half, Avila drove to the rim and jumped to pass the ball to Gibson Jimerson in the opposite corner, but landed awkwardly and twisted his ankle. He laid on the flooring under the basket for a number of minutes, before being helped off the court and into the locker room.He later emerged from the locker room, however was unable to put weight on his right leg and invested the rest of the game on the bench with ice on his ankle.Avila had 16 points, 5 rebounds and five assists before the injury.Editor’s Picks He missed much of the preseason with a sprained ankle,

however had the ability to wear and play 17 minutes in the Billikens’ second exhibit game against Maryville.A 6-foot-10 center who followed head coach Josh Schertz from Indiana State to Saint Louis last spring, Avila was one of the biggest breakout players of the 2023-24 college basketball season. He assisted lead the Sycamores to 32 wins and a go to the NIT championship game, where they lost to Seton Hall.Avila, who became one of the most identifiable players in the country last season due to his goggles and distinct skill set, balanced 17.4 points, 6.6 rebounds and 4.1 assists en path to first-team All-Missouri Valley honors. He earned such nicknames as”Cream Abdul-Jabbar, “”Steph Blurry “and “Larry Nerd. “He was likewise named to the Atlantic 10’s preseason all-conference very first team.Saint Louis next faces Avila University on Sunday.