Robbie Avila reflects on 'awesome' NIL journey, first pitch at Chicago White Sox game

CHICAGO – Growing up on Chicago’s South Side, Robbie Avila spent many a day at the corner of 35th and Shields.

A born-and-raised White Sox fan – his dad made it clear the family wouldn’t be Cubs fans – Avila remembers watching Paul Konerko star for the franchise. He didn’t play baseball growing up, though, because it fell during his football and AAU seasons. But the dream of walking on to Guaranteed Rate Field one day remained.

That came true Friday night through an NIL deal with the White Sox. As a CHISOX Athlete, Avila had the opportunity to take the mound and throw a ceremonial first pitch from the same spot Mark Buehrle and Chris Sale did while he was growing up. Donning a custom “Cream Abdul-Jabbar” jersey, Avila signed autographs and took photos during a weather delay, soaking in every minute.

Saint Louis center Robbie Avila (Cream Abdul-Jabbar) threw out the first pitch ahead of tonight’s White Sox game. It’s part of his NIL deal with the franchise’s CHISOX Athlete program.

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“Having moments like this, being on a professional field like that with a crowd that you sat in and watched all the time, I’m just blessed,” Avila told On3 while standing behind home plate prior to his pitch. “I’m ready to have some fun.”

Robbie Avila embracing stardom after stellar season

Over the last year, Avila became one of the faces of college basketball, starring for Indiana State and going viral on social media with his trademark goggles. He remembers seeing KSR’s Matt Jones call him “Cream Abdul-Jabbar” for the first time, and it immediately took off. In fact, when the White Sox announced their roster of CHISOX Athletes, the franchise used it in the press release.

While other nicknames continue to come about – his favorite is “Rob Wave” – Avila knows “Cream Abdul-Jabbar” is the biggest, and he’s hearing it more than “Robbie” these days. That’s why he’ll continue embracing it throughout his career.

“I just remember seeing it one day scrolling through Twitter – I think it was after our Evansville game. I was just looking at it and it said, ‘This guy, Cream Abdul-Jabbar,’ I enjoyed it. It was hilarious,” Avila said.

“To be able to have a nickname that’s tied in with an NBA great is just awesome. Everybody loves it. I’m gonna keep using it as long as it’s up there.”

Robbie Avila uses NIL to make most of moment

Because of his White Sox fandom, Avila said becoming a CHISOX Athlete was a “no-brainer” when the opportunity came about. But it’s just one part of his NIL journey as he takes his talents to Saint Louis.

After announcing his commitment to SLU to follow Josh Schertz from Indiana State, Avila partnered with the Billiken Victory Fund, the Saint Louis-focused NIL collective. He also told On3 more deals are coming down the road. It’s all part of his plan to take “full advantage” of the opportunities he gets in the space.

But the fanfare Avila received before throwing out the first pitch Friday was just another chapter in a whirlwind year. He didn’t think he’d get to “this level” so quickly, but he’s keeping things in perspective along the way.

“It’s just been such an amazing journey,” Avila said. “Me being able to do all this and use my name to get this attention and all this media stuff, I’ve been blessed to be able to go through it. I’ve had a lot of fun with my teammates and my family and my friends.

“Seeing how happy everybody else is to see all this happen, it makes me happy, as well. I’m just excited to continue to do everything about this.”

Avila hopes to ‘do a little bit more’ at Saint Louis

On the court this past season, Robbie Avila put together a strong performance to help Indiana State to a Missouri Valley Conference title. He averaged 17.5 points, 6.6 rebounds and four assists en route to first team all-conference honors. But the Sycamores lost in the Arch Madness championship game to Drake – meaning they missed out on the automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.

When Selection Sunday came and went, ISU found itself in the NIT. But Avila was still the talk of the sport, even making an appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show” during the tournament. Once the season ended with a loss to Seton Hall in the NIT championship, Saint Louis announced Schertz as its next head coach.

That announcement came on April 6. Three days later, Avila entered the portal, and he announced his commitment on April 20. The decision was simple. He wanted to continue playing for Schertz because of the bond they built in Terre Haute.

“Obviously, my two years at ISU were amazing,” Avila said. “I couldn’t ask for anything better. It was a lot of fun. My decision to follow Coach Schertz was just as simple as that. I trust him, he trusts me.

“We’re looking to do a little bit more than we did at Indiana State and kind of repeat it and hopefully, make a deep run in the tournament.”

Because of his newfound fame, the transfer process was much different for Avila than his high school recruitment. He heard from plenty of people who knew his nickname, which he heard more than his first name.

It might just be the beginning for the new Atlantic 10 Conference star.

“I think the nicknames and the internet and all that stuff has helped me build connections that will help better my future,” Avila said. “And I think it’s just gonna continue to skyrocket for me.”