Overview
- Avila posted 12 points, five rebounds and five assists in No. 9 Saint Louis’ 102-77 first-round win over No. 8 Georgia, earning a matchup with top-seeded Michigan on Saturday at 12:15 p.m. ET in Buffalo.
- The 6-foot-10 center is the Atlantic 10 player of the year, leading the Billikens in scoring and assists after a season averaging 12.9 points, 4.5 rebounds and 4.1 assists with 41.6% shooting from 3.
- Known for thick goggles and a slate of viral monikers, Avila told TMZ his favorite nickname is “Cream Abdul-Jabbar,” a nod that has trailed his rise from Indiana State to Saint Louis.
- Coach Josh Schertz credits Avila as central to Saint Louis’ turnaround after the big man followed him from Indiana State, with the Georgia win setting the program’s single-season record for victories.
- Mock-draft analyses praise Avila’s shooting and passing but question his athleticism and defense, projecting an undrafted path with a likely two-way or summer league opportunity.