Loyola Basketball Lands Forward Blake Schilb

4/23/2003

Rantoul native joins impressive recruiting class

Chicago (April 23, 2003) - With the signing of Blake Schilb, Loyola University Chicago head coach Larry Farmer has added a gem to another sterling recruiting class. Schilb, a 6-foot-7, 215-pound forward who played last season at Brewster Academy in Wolfeboro, N.H., signed a national letter of intent today, Farmer announced.

"Blake is a 6-foot-7 wing player who has point guard skills," Farmer said. "He will bring the most versatility to the wing position as any player I've had at Loyola. He can play the two, three or four positions."

At Brewster last season, Schilb averaged 14.5 ppg, 8.5 rpg and 6.0 apg en route to Honorable Mention All-New England honors for coach Jason Smith. A very versatile player, Schilb often times played point forward on a talented team that featured University of Cincinnati signee Mike Pilgrim. The highly touted Schilb was a 2002-03 McDonald's All-American nominee.

In 2001-02, Schilb contributed 22.0 ppg and 11.0 rpg at Rantoul High School and, with 24.0 ppg, was the scoring leader at the 2002 State Farm Holiday Classic in Normal, Ill. Past scoring champions from that tournament include current Chicago Bulls center Eddy Curry and former Loyola star, Carl Golston.

Schilb joins a recruiting class that includes high-scoring guard Majak Kou of Hamilton, Ontario and guard Andre Knox of Whitney Young in Chicago. Last season, the Ramblers' recruiting class featured 2003 Horizon League Newcomer of the Year Paul McMillan and Horizon League All-Newcomer Team member Demetrius Williams, in addition to point guard Terrance Whiters.

Farmer also announced today that sophomore forward Joe Evert of Wanamingo, Minn., will transfer to a school closer to his hometown.

Loyola returns three starters, including McMillan and Williams, from a team that captured 15 victories during the 2002-03 season.