Loyola men's basketball team prepares for Central America tour

Aug. 8, 2006

Chicago, Ill. - With the start of the 2006-07 regular-season fast approaching, Loyola University Chicago's men's basketball team will gear up for the year by taking an eight-day trip to Costa Rica and Guatemala, Aug. 10-17. The Ramblers, who return five starters from last year's team, will play six games on the trip to Central America, and will be the first-ever American team to play in Guatemala.

"This should be a wonderful experience for our guys and something they will remember for the rest of their lives," third-year Loyola head coach Jim Whitesell said. "We would like to thank our boosters for helping us be able to make this trip. Our guys are anxious to play."

Last season, Loyola posted a 19-11 record, the best showing by a Rambler squad since 1984-85. Whitesell welcomes back a talented cast of players, including Honorable Mention All-America and First Team All-Horizon League selection Blake Schilb. The 6-foot-7 senior guard, who competed at the National Basketball Association predraft camp in Orlando earlier this summer before opting to return to school, averaged 19.1 points, 5.2 rebounds and 3.9 assists per game in 2005-06.

In addition to Schilb, Loyola also returns a pair of starters in the backcourt, senior Majak Kou and sophomore J.R. Blount. Kou, who was named to the Horizon League All-Defensive Team a year ago, tallied 12.8 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 1.6 spg and 1.5 bpg, while Blount contributed 11.3 ppg, 2.8 rpg and 2.3 apg. Sophomore forward Leon Young, who led the Ramblers in rebounding with 7.2 per game as a rookie, also chipped in 10.4 ppg.

Loyola will face the top team in the Costa Rican League, Liceo de Costa Rica, to open up the tour on Aug. 11, before playing Turrialba on Aug. 12. The Ramblers then head to Guatemala for four games in three days, beginning with an Aug. 15 date with the Guatemala National Team. Loyola faces Leman's on Aug. 16 before wrapping up game action with contests versus Leones de Marte and the Guatemala National Team on Aug. 17.

"We will try out some different lineups and put guys in different spots than they maybe normally would play," Whitesell said. "This is a great opportunity to get our guys some experience in game situations because that is something that cannot be replicated. We really want to dramatically improve as a defensive team on this trip and be able to build our depth."

Story provided by Loyola University Chicago Office of Sports Information