Robbie Avila, the towering 6-10 center from Indiana State, has become a sensation, not just for his skills on the court but for his distinctive goggles, earning him fun nicknames like Cream Abdul-Jabbar. His influence was anticipated to shine brightly on Selection Sunday.
Indiana State’s hopes for an automatic bid were dashed after a loss to Drake in the Missouri Valley Conference tournament’s final game. Now, they must wait on the sidelines to learn their fate.
Bruce Rasmussen, along with two other former chairmen of the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Committee, believes Avila’s performance could tip the scales for Indiana State against other teams on the bubble. The committee’s selection of the 68 teams will be revealed on Sunday.
Rasmussen, the ex-Creighton athletic director and 2018 committee chair, emphasized Avila’s critical role in the team’s consideration for the tournament.
Avila’s exceptional skills have made him a standout, leading his team in scoring and contributing significantly in rebounds and assists. Indiana State is among the top scorers nationally, thanks to his efforts.
Mark Hollis, former Michigan State athletic director and 2017 committee chair, noted that Avila’s remarkable ability to lead his team could influence the committee’s decision.
Avila has demonstrated a unique talent for carrying his team forward, a quality that could sway the committee’s vote, according to Craig Thompson, a former Mountain West commissioner.
The story of Robbie Avila began to unfold on a memorable night against Evansville, where he scored impressively, earning him the nickname Cream Abdul-Jabbar from Matt Jones of Kentucky Sports Radio. This led to a surge in NIL opportunities and a flurry of new nicknames on social media.
Avila’s journey with goggles started in second grade due to the practical need to fit them under a football helmet. Despite a brief experiment with contact lenses in high school, he returned to goggles, which have since become his signature look and part of his brand.
Reflecting on Larry Bird’s legacy, Avila’s story adds a new chapter to Indiana State’s basketball history. Bird, who didn’t need goggles, led the team to the NCAA tournament championship game in 1979.
Under Coach Josh Schertz, Indiana State has seen significant improvement, with Avila playing a pivotal role in their success. Avila credits his basketball IQ, partly developed through playing chess with his grandpa, for his on-court strategy and decision-making.
Looking ahead, the selection committee will soon decide Indiana State’s fate, with Tom Burnett, the 2021-2022 committee chair, outlining the selection process. Despite the challenge of lacking Quad 1 wins, Indiana State’s performance, especially in games without Avila due to injury, will be considered.
As the NCAA tournament approaches, Indiana State and Avila await their fate, hoping for a chance to prove themselves on the national stage. Amid many compelling stories, Avila’s unique journey and his celebrated goggles stand out.