Blake Schilb

“You know what? I think I’m good enough to play in the NBA, but you’re doing nothing to get me there. We’re done.”

This is how I said goodbye to my first agent when none of the NBA teams drafted me in 2007. That goodbye set things in motion. It started an unexpected journey which led me right here.

Now I’m standing at the free-throw line, repeating the “TP23 strong” mantra in my mind, wearing the jersey of the Czech Republic; the jersey of the country that gave me so much love. Love in every possible meaning. Only here did I learn what it means to be loved as a person, a husband, a father, and as an athlete.

The jersey of the country which became my home after I left America. I met my wife here. I began raising my son here, who I had no idea existed even on the day of his birth. One day, we plan to settle here with our four kids. They wanted me so much here that they did whatever they could so I could fight for them on the court.

I release the ball from my hands, aiming for the basket, knowing I cannot miss. Not after I’ve focused by casting my personal little spell. That spell will always remind me of my brother and his incredible courage in the face of the inevitable.

The ball goes in, and I know I’ve added another small piece to the rich sports history of this nation, which may be small but has a big heart and is not afraid to face anybody. I’ve added to the sports history of a country in which everything took the right turn in my life.

My new agent Noah, who was recommended to me by my close friend from university after an unsuccessful draft, assured me that he would find a good place for me. So when he approached me with a contract from Nymburk, I trusted him, even though I obviously asked, ‘Where the hell is this Nymburk?’

“In Czech Republic,” he said.

That’s in Czechoslovakia? The country which we learned about in school? I knew some basic things like that the country exists, that it’s situated in the middle of Europe and played its part in important historical events. I could even name some famous Czech athletes, but that was all. However, I was excited to get my first professional opportunity. I accepted the offer immediately, without realizing what would await me after the long flight. And what this country would mean to my life.

My top priority was to play and show everyone how good I was. And when it didn’t work out in the NBA, at least there was someone offering a good salary.

So, for the first time in my life, I went to Europe.