Bilal Coulibaly has established himself as a strong defender this season with the Washington Wizards, but the rookie from France is eager to showcase more of his ability on offense.
Coulibaly is averaging 8.3 points, 4.1 rebounds and 1.7 assists on 36.3% shooting from 3-point range in 53 games with the Wizards. He is one of six rookies to average at least eight points, four rebounds and 1.5 assists this season.
The seventh pick has recorded at least one block in 28 games, and one steal in 24 games. He is one of four first-year players to register at least 40 steals and 40 blocks, joining Victor Wembanyama, Chet Holmgren and Ausar Thompson.
He wants to show more than just his defense, though.
(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.
The Wizards have undergone some changes of late after moving on from head coach Wes Unseld Jr. Coulibaly is playing about three more minutes per game on average since Brian Keefe was named interim head coach on Jan. 25, posting 9.5 points, 4.3 rebounds and 1.5 assists.
“We’re struggling a little bit as a team but we’re getting better,” Coulibaly said. “A lot of changes these past few weeks, so we’re figuring out some things, but we’re going to keep getting better.”
The 19-year-old has drawn high praise for his maturity and professionalism since joining the Wizards. He is seemingly open to criticism and strives to improve his overall game. He wants to continue to play more consistently and vowed to make that a point of emphasis.
He was among 11 rookies selected to compete in the NBA Rising Stars game after emerging as one of the top first-year players this season. He made that a goal of his and was happy to reach it.
“When I got drafted, that was one of my first goals,” Coulibaly said. “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.”
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