TMZ.com
Robbie Avila‘s about to make himself a LOT of money … ’cause the Indiana State hoops star tells TMZ Sports there are eyewear companies lining up to work with him after becoming a viral sensation!!
The 6’11” goggle-wearing center was quite the fan favorite this college basketball season … with his impressive highlights earning him nicknames like Cream Abdul-Jabbar, Larry Nerd, and, his favorite, Rob Wave.
Since then, the NIL business has been boomin’ for the Sycamores star … and he’s lovin’ it!
“NIL is huge now!” Avila told TMZ Sports. “It’s a really big thing with college sports.”
“Obviously, I’ve had a couple of eyewear companies reach out to kinda brand with my goggles. Being able to take full advantage of this is, you know, something I’m able to do here.”
The sophomore athlete — who averaged 17.3 points and 6.5 rebounds per game this season — said the team doesn’t mind all the attention he and his specs have been getting … but admitted it can get bothersome at times when he’s out and about.
Despite the rising stardom, Avila and the team’s focal point is the National Invitation Tournament semifinals on Tuesday against the No. 2-seeded Utah Utes.
“They’re another really, really good team playing at a high level right now,” Avila said. “So just being able to execute what we need to do well.”
Of course, Avila hopes he sees the Sycamores get to the finals and win with 20/20 vision … as it will be the school’s first NIT title.