ST. LOUIS - Former St. Louis University standout Robbie Avila is finalizing a deal to play for TCU this season, sources said.

According to Bleacher Report, both sides are close to finalizing a deal, and expected to be on TCU's campus this week. A return to SLU became complicated after the College Sports Commission declared the team couldn't have an extra roster spot to accommodate the big man.

The move comes a week after the 6'10" center was granted eligibility for a fifth season of college basketball season by a St. Louis judge. Before filing his lawsuit, Avila attempted to earn a roster spot on the Los Angeles Lakers but saw limited opportunities during the NBA Summer League. The Lakers later waived him before the start of the 2026-27 NBA regular season.

Avila spent the past two years at SLU, averaging 12.8 points, 4.5 rebounds and 4.1 assists per game last season on his way to earning Atlantic-10 Player of the Year honors. Before transferring to SLU, he played two seasons at Indiana State.

Despite Avila's absence and eventual departure from the program, SLU has started the season 3-0, including a victory over the Missouri Tigers last week at Enterprise Center.

Avila will now join the 3-0 TCU Horned Frogs, where he is expected to team up with leading scorer Micah Robinson, who is averaging more than 21 points a game.

According to ESPN, it is unclear when Avila will suit up for his new team.