ST. LOUIS — Robbie Avila started his senior year at Oak Forest High sporting a new look.

Since about sixth grade, Robbie had worn prescription Rec Specs goggles every day, a solution his parents settled on after constantly replacing broken glasses, often the result of wrestling matches with his brother. Over time, Robbie even got into the habit of calling out, “Hold on, my glasses,” and setting them aside before a tussle, though somehow the glasses still frequently ended up underfoot.

On the basketball court, his goggles became a signature style — a bit of armor. “People always doubted him,” his father Juan said. “Everywhere we went, they underestimated him, and he’d quietly prove them wrong.”

In eighth grade, Robbie persuaded his parents that he was ready for regular glasses again. As he neared college, he decided to try contacts, but getting them to fit was a challenge. They never felt quite right. Finally, his older brother stepped in. “You’re Robbie with the goggles,” he told him. “Without them, you’re not the same.”

Three years later, “Robbie with the goggles” became a standout in college basketball, gaining cult status in the 2023-24 season with his signature eyewear, tattoo sleeve, and impressive skills — TV analysts even drew comparisons to Nikola Jokić. And then there were the nicknames: Cream Abdul-Jabbar, Larry Blurred, Larry Nerd, Milk Chamberlain. Avila’s favorite was “Rob Wave” after his favorite musician Rod Wave, though that one didn’t catch on as much as the others.

Robbie was also at the center of a resurgence for Indiana State’s basketball program, helping them win the Missouri Valley Conference regular season title for the first time in decades, though they narrowly missed an NCAA Tournament bid after a close loss to Drake. Following this success, head coach Josh Schertz, along with Avila and several key players, moved to Saint Louis University, hoping to rekindle the same magic.

Three years prior, Schertz first spotted Avila at Oak Forest High, instantly drawn to his potential. That summer, he and assistant coach Zak Boisvert took turns making the three-hour drive from Indiana State to show Robbie how much he meant to their vision. Though other more prominent coaches pursued Avila, including Northern Iowa’s Ben Jacobson, Schertz’s down-to-earth pitch resonated. “You don’t look like a player; I don’t look like a coach,” he’d told him, “but together we could do something special.”

Initially, Avila leaned towards Northern Iowa, but his connection to Schertz’s message stuck with him, particularly as he found himself in a similar moment of self-doubt. Finally, in October, he called Schertz to confirm his commitment to Indiana State — a decision that marked a turning point for both of them.

Avila and Schertz’s bond only grew stronger, with Avila quickly emerging as a leader on and off the court. When Schertz accepted the head coach position at Saint Louis, Avila didn’t hesitate to follow. “I’m with you,” he texted Schertz after the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament, solidifying their partnership. Despite interest from bigger programs, Avila’s loyalty to Schertz never wavered.

Now, at Saint Louis, the pair aims to recreate their success in a new, more competitive league. Avila, known for his vision and skilled passing, is essential to Schertz’s system, and his teammates have been quick to adjust to his style. By the end of summer practice, he’d earned the playful nickname “SLU Alcindor,” a nod to his popularity and enduring charisma.

Avila’s impact goes beyond the court; he is a beloved figure to his teammates, inclusive and encouraging while holding everyone accountable to the team’s high standards. His humor and authenticity make him a leader in the locker room and a source of camaraderie. “He’s the kind of person you just want to be around,” former teammate Jayson Kent said.

In the public eye, Avila has embraced his “Robbie with the goggles” persona, recently securing an NIL deal with Bommarito Automotive, who provided him with a Cadillac CT5V. Last season, he even used his NIL earnings to buy sneakers for the Oak Forest basketball players and coaches, saying it was a way to “celebrate my teammates and lift them up, too.”

This season, all eyes are on Robbie Avila and Josh Schertz to see if they can carry their unique dynamic and success to new heights. The journey continues, with Avila’s story capturing the hearts of basketball fans and reminding everyone why “Robbie with the goggles” is here to stay.nows image isn’t everything.