By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net
Playing alongside his former Boulogne-Levallois Metropolitans 92 teammate Victor Wembanyama in the NBA Rising Stars Game, Bilal Coulibaly turned his wish into reality.
Talking to the Rookie Wire, the French two-way talented guard said that being selected for such a game was a goal of his. “When I got drafted, that was one of my first goals. I was like, “Yeah, I’ve got to be there and show I’m one of the best in my generation”, and I think I did that. I’m happy for that”, he said.
Not making it to the 2023 FIBA World Cup just like the No.1 overall pick Victor Wembanyama, he has been focusing since day one in the NBA. “I’ve just been in the gym doing my thing, working on everything offensively and defensively. I’ve seen some good things about my defense, but I’m going to show more about my offense, too”, he also expressed.
Alongside other established rookies in the league like Victor Wembanyama, Chet Holmgren, and Ausar Thompson, Bilal Coulibaly is just one of four first-year players to register at least 40 steals and 40 blocks in the 2023-24 NBA Regular Season.
Since joining the league being selected with the 7th pick in the 2023 NBA Draft by the Indiana Pacers – and immediately drafted to Washington in exchange for Jarace Walker -, the 19-year-old French talent has been averaging 8.3 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game.
PHOTO CREDIT: Getty Images