Robbie Avila's throwback play style and various nicknames, most notably Cream Abdul-Jabbar, made him one of college basketball's breakout stars over the last few years. After a brief NBA stint, he's returning to college ball.
TCU is adding Avila three games into its season, according to On3's Joe Tipton, a massive frontcourt addition for Jamie Dixon's team. Avila averages 14.5 points, 5.5 rebounds and a 37.9% 3-point clip over his college career. The 23-year-old will likely start for the Horned Frogs once he gets acclimated.
Avila's path back to college basketball was unconventional, so here's how it happened.
Why is Robbie Avila allowed to play college basketball again?
A St. Louis City Circuit Judge granted Avila a preliminary injunction to play a fifth season last week. It's becoming a growing trend for
players with NBA experience to return to college, as BYU's Jaxon Kohler and Louisville's Seth Trimble did the same.
Why didn't Robbie Avila return to Saint Louis?
Avila tried to come back to the Billikens, but the College Sports Commission denied the move because Saint Louis already reached its 15-player limit.
Why didn't Robbie Avila stick in the NBA?
Avila isn't an NBA-level athlete or defender. He averages less than a block and under seven rebounds per game for his college career, and his post game is out of vogue in the pros.
This article originally appeared on For The Win: Why is Robbie Avila allowed back to college basketball after Lakers stint?
