Bilal Coulibaly, a promising French professional basketball player, is finding his rhythm with the Washington Wizards. The 20-year-old joined the team in 2023 during the NBA Summer League, where he quickly proved his worth. He averaged 12.3 points and 4.8 rebounds per game, showing his two-way potential.
Adjusting to a new country and league is never easy, but Coulibaly seems to be settling in well. His 12.4 points per game this season reflect his growing confidence under head coach Brian Keefe. But how has he adapted so smoothly? The 6-foot-8 small forward credits his teammates for helping him through the transition.
Bilal Coulibaly Got Help From Khris Middleton and Marcus Smart
With seasoned players like Khris Middleton and Marcus Smart joining the Wizards, Coulibaly has found himself surrounded by valuable mentors. The young forward explained how Middleton has helped him refine his defensive approach.
“We’ve been talking about a lot of things,” Coulibaly told Spencer Davies of RG about Middleton. “How to get the ball in the spots you want. He’s been teaching me every day.
“Even defensively, he’s talking to me ’cause he’s been with top defensive players like Giannis and all that, so he’s been giving a little bit of tips. So yeah, I’m learning a lot. It’s different, man. You want to listen because you see what he’s been through. He talks to you about the playoffs and all that, so you listen.”
Middleton, a three-time NBA All-Star and 2021 NBA champion, brings deep playoff experience—something the young Wizards roster lacks. Learning how to navigate different offensive situations and handle playoff intensity is crucial for Coulibaly’s long-term development.
Meanwhile, Smart, well known for his defensive skills, is helping Coulibaly improve his off-ball defense and agility. The former NBA Defensive Player of the Year has given the young forward valuable insights on how to defend without fouling.
“I was struggling a little bit on the off-ball screens, and he’s been talking to me, giving me tips—how to get to the body, how to be physical without fouling,” Coulibaly admitted. “He’s been teaching me a lot. I mean, just putting pressure on the guys without fouling. I was fouling too much, putting both hands on the players, and he gave me a couple of tips, so I’m way better now.”
Coulibaly Shares Natural Chemistry With Shooting Guard Jordan Poole
Besides Smart and Middleton, Poole, the 25-year-old guard, has also taken Coulibaly under his wing. Their bond, however, extends beyond basketball, as the two have connected on a personal level.
“Man, as soon as I got here, he [Jordan Poole] moved his locker next to mine,” Coulibaly shared. “I mean, he loves Europe and all that, so we’ve been talking about all of that. He’s been to Paris, and we’ve been together in Paris too. That’s just my guy. It just came [naturally] like that for real.”
With Poole’s interest in European culture and Coulibaly’s French background, their friendship has helped make the transition smoother for the young forward. Poole’s championship experience has also provided Coulibaly with additional guidance, making him feel more comfortable in the Wizards’ locker room.