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St. Louis Today
By the People, for the People
NCAA Honors Retiring Saint Louis Star Robbie Avila
The NCAA pays tribute to the popular player known for his signature goggles after his final March Madness game.
Mar. 21, 2026 at 7:36pm
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Saint Louis star forward Robbie Avila, a fan favorite known for his nonchalant style of play and signature goggles, played his final college basketball game after his team's loss to Michigan in the NCAA Tournament. The NCAA shared a parting message honoring Avila's legacy, calling him a "legend of the goggles" whose iconic look will be enshrined in the college basketball hall of fame.
Why it matters
Avila has been one of the most popular players in college basketball in recent years, with his unique playing style and memorable appearance endearing him to fans across the country. His departure marks the end of an era, as the NCAA pays tribute to his outsized impact on the sport.
The details
Despite a strong start, Saint Louis was unable to keep pace with Michigan's depth and size, falling 95-72 in the second round of the NCAA Tournament. Avila, who spent his first two seasons at Indiana State before following his coach to Saint Louis, finished just shy of the 2,000-point milestone, ending his career with impressive averages of 14.6 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game.
- On March 21, 2026, Saint Louis lost to Michigan in the NCAA Tournament.
- Robbie Avila's college basketball career came to an end with this loss.
The players
Robbie Avila
A star forward for the Saint Louis Billikens, known for his nonchalant style of play, signature goggles, and ability to impact the game in multiple ways.
Michigan Wolverines
The No. 1 seed that defeated Avila's Saint Louis team in the second round of the 2026 NCAA Tournament.
What they’re saying
“Never forget the legend of the goggles. Salute to Robbie Avila.”
— NCAA
“The goggles are going in the college basketball hall of fame. Iconic doesn't even cover it.”
— Fan
“Thank you for everything you did for our program.”
— Fan
What’s next
The NCAA will likely induct Robbie Avila's iconic goggles into the college basketball hall of fame, cementing his legacy as one of the sport's most memorable players.
The takeaway
Robbie Avila's departure marks the end of an era for college basketball, as the NCAA pays tribute to a player who captivated fans with his unique style and enduring popularity. His legacy will live on through the recognition of his signature goggles, a testament to the impact he made on the sport.
