TCU to Host Milwaukee After Finalizing Robbie Avila Deal

TCU is finalizing a deal to add Saint Louis transfer Robbie Avila to its roster, CBS Sports reported.

The 6-foot-10 center, who was the reigning Atlantic 10 Player of the Year, joins the Horned Frogs as they prepare to host Milwaukee on Friday night in Fort Worth, Texas. While it remains unclear if Avila will suit up against the Panthers, his arrival provides immediate depth for a frontcourt currently missing a key piece.

TCU center Luke Bamgboye remains sidelined with a foot injury. Coach Jamie Dixon noted earlier this week that the team would be without Bamgboye for “a while.”

Robbie Avila lands at TCU; Foot surgery for UConn's Nik Khamenia + Wknd Preview — CBS Sports College Basketball

Avila produces a high volume of points for the TCU rotation. During his time with the Billikens last season, he averaged 12.8 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 4.1 assists. He was able to play another college season after being granted a preliminary injunction.

The addition comes at a critical juncture for TCU. The team is currently 3-0 but is coming off a narrow 100-92 double overtime victory against Louisiana-Monroe on Tuesday. That win, while securing a third straight victory, highlighted some fatigue within the squad.

TCU set to land Robbie Avila: What he brings to the Horned Frogs I Jon Rothstein — CBS Sports College Basketball

“I don’t know the reasons why we looked tired from the start and certainly tired at the end,” Jamie Dixon told CBS Sports. “Hopefully, this is a learning lesson for us.”

Despite the win, the performance was described as lackluster. Micah Robinson recorded a career-high 27 points, and Xavier Edmonds contributed 17 points and nine rebounds, but the team struggled to maintain energy throughout the contest.

The Milwaukee Panthers arrive in Texas with a 2-2 record and a recent surge in confidence. The team secured an 82-73 win over Indiana State on Wednesday, led by Amare Hereford’s 23 points. The Panthers’ offense was efficient, shooting 51.7% from the field during that matchup.

TCU to Host Milwaukee After Finalizing Robbie Avila Deal

Milwaukee’s recent success follows a dominant 99-48 victory over Ripon, which helped them bounce back from consecutive road losses to Southern California and Santa Clara.

“I thought we played tough. We’ve been really emphasizing being tougher on the ball, more forceful with our finishes at the rim. And I thought we did all that,” Bart Lundy, Milwaukee coach, told CBS Sports.

Lundy also highlighted the importance of rebounding for his squad’s recent improvements.

Robbie Avila set to join TCU as sports commission blocks extra roster spot for SLU — KSDK News

“Our guards rebounded. They hadn’t really been rebounding. And we get seven from Amare, get six from Tre (Norman). And we really, really, desperately need that,” Lundy told CBS Sports. Bart Lundy

The matchup presents a stylistic clash between a TCU team looking to find its rhythm and a Milwaukee side that has found ways to play with more physical intensity.