CHICAGO (July 21, 2021) – Blake Schilb, who was a three-time All-Horizon League honoree during his four-year career on the men's basketball team at Loyola University Chicago from 2003 through 2007, will be competing for the Czech Republic at the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, which begin this week. A naturalized Czech citizen, the 6-foot-7 Schilb and his team open play at the Olympic Games on Sunday, July 25 versus Iran.
 
 "Making the Olympics at this stage in my career is just the cherry on top to say the least," Schilb said. "It was not easy to get back to the grind after almost a year off but with a collaboration of the Czech Basketball Foundation personnel, we were able to work up to the FIBA Qualifying Tournament and win our group and it was even more satisfying because I don't think anybody counted on us to win."
 
Schilb was sensational in an Olympic Qualifying Tournament victory over Canada earlier this month, pouring in 31 points to help the Czech Republic earn a win. The Rantoul, Ill., native has had a storied and lengthy professional playing career overseas, spending time in the Czech Republic, France, Serbia, Spain and Turkey. He spent this season with USK Praha in the Czech Republic.
 
One of the most versatile players ever to don a Loyola uniform, Schilb put up 15.9 points, 5.1 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game in his career and during his junior season, in which he was an Associated Press Honorable Mention All-America selection, he racked up 19.1 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 3.9 apg and 1.3 spg. 
 
He remains the only player in Loyola men's basketball history to accumulate over 1,000 points, 500 rebounds and 400 assists in his career. 
 
"My time at Loyola taught me a lot about my faith and to always keep it close to me," Schilb said. "Obviously we all have our own journeys and we share walks with one another, but believing in our faith is something that can always bring us together. Before committing to Loyola, I struggled and wasn't sure I'd make it to college but the belief the University had in me really opened my eyes and allowed me to walk with others. I couldn't be prouder to be a Rambler!" 
 
Schilb is not the only former Loyola student-athlete to be competing in the Olympic Games in Tokyo this summer. Former men's volleyball standout Thomas Jaeschke, who helped the Ramblers to back-to-back NCAA championships in 2014 and 2015, will look to help a medal for the second time in his post-collegiate career. The outside hitter was also a member of the U.S. National Team that won the bronze medal at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio. Jeff Jendryk, who was a four-time American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) All-American during his career in Rogers Park, is an alternate for the U.S. men's volleyball team.