PITTSBURGH (AP) — Teamwork and Success
For Robbie Avila and his teammates at No. 24 Saint Louis, teamwork is a mantra that transcends mere platitudes. The senior center, who is often humorously referred to by playful monikers like “Larry Nerd” and “Cream Abdul-Jabbar”, recently emphasized the team’s collective mindset following an 81-77 victory over Duquesne that improved their record to 18-1. “We have no egos on this team,” Avila stated, reflecting the selflessness that is central to the Billikens’ success this season.
Building a Strong Team
This bond was notably highlighted in a discussion Avila had with head coach Josh Schertz at the conclusion of his first year with the team, which ended in disappointment with a first-round exit in the NIT. After successfully guiding Indiana State to a Missouri Valley Conference title and a deep NIT run together in 2024, Schertz shared the constraints of the team’s NIL budget with Avila, underscoring that building a strong supporting cast was essential for a successful NCAA Tournament bid. Avila’s swift acceptance of those terms set a collaborative tone for the program.
“It was never about ‘What can I get?’” Schertz remarked. “It’s a great example when your star player opts for team success over individual desire.”
Team Dynamics and Performance
Avila, who posted impressive stats last year with averages of 17.3 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game, could easily demand more responsibility. Instead, he prioritizes team victories, making clear his ambition to reach March Madness. As the Billikens continue to gain momentum with a win streak that has now reached 12 games, the team stands out with six players averaging double figures in scoring, a unique feat in collegiate basketball. Kellen Thames, a standout junior guard, recently became the third Billiken to earn Atlantic 10 Player of the Week honors this season.
Emphasizing adaptability, Avila expressed his willingness to alter his playing style to benefit the team. His statistics reflect this, as his points per game have dipped to 12.8, along with reduced rebounds and minutes, yet he remains committed to fostering a united team spirit of winning. The Billikens’ ascent in the rankings marks the first time in five years they have made it to the Top 25, and they are keen to match the program’s best start since the 1993-94 season with another victory against St. Bonaventure. Through these achievements, Thames pointed out the transformative journey of this team, especially in light of last season’s disappointing 13-20 record that led to changes at the helm.
Coaching Philosophy and Results
Schertz, known for his unselfish coaching style, previously built a successful program at Lincoln Memorial, nurturing talent before moving up the ranks to Division I with Indiana State. Since taking the reins at Saint Louis, he has focused on attracting high-character players who are committed to shared success. Under his guidance, the Billikens have taken a collaborative approach that eschews rigid plays in favor of empowering players to leverage their instincts and judgement on the court.
The results speak for themselves: Saint Louis leads the A-10 in assists and assist-to-turnover ratio, with a scoring margin of 25 points — the best in the nation. Despite overcoming challenges on the court, including a game where they turned the ball over 16 times, they continue to thrive, still one of the three unbeaten teams in their league. As they embrace the heightened expectations that come with success, Avila asserts the importance of being a team that others strive to catch:
“I want that target on my back because that means we’re going to get everybody’s best shot, and I think that’s the biggest compliment you can get as a team.”
