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Wizards’ Bilal Coulibaly talks offseason plans, Amen Thompson, Wemby, Eurobasket and extra


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Bilal Coulibaly completed his sophomore NBA season averaging 12.3 factors, 5.0 rebounds and three.4 assists. Though his three-point proportion dipped to twenty-eight.1 p.c, he proved he has the makings of a core piece for the Wizards because of his elite defensive abilities.

The seventh choose of the 2023 draft sat down with HoopsHype in Cairo, the place he was attending the Egypt Cup Closing, the Jr. NBA League Finals and serving to the Al Hassan Basis, to debate his sport, Victor Wembanyama, Eurobasket and extra.

Bilal Coulibaly: It’s, yeah, I used to be about to say it’s my first time right here. My sister’s been right here earlier than and he or she advised me it was good, however I used to be not anticipating that really. It’s higher than I believed, so I prefer it.

Bob Donnan-Imagn Photos

BC: Yeah, I’ve watched a whole lot of him. I’ve watched a whole lot of his video games. He’s a great participant. He doesn’t make any actually large errors. He’s taking part in good basketball when he has to, he’s not forcing it. He can rating, go the ball, rebound, do something on the court docket.

BC: I’m engaged on my sport so much. I’ll concentrate on my deal with and my three-point capturing so I can come again and really feel manner smoother and extra comfy on the court docket. I’ll be in DC, I’ll be in all probability in Dallas for a bit bit too as a result of my company relies there, so I’ll be figuring out with them. I’ll be in France too so wherever I am going I’ll be engaged on my sport.

Michael Reaves/Getty Photos

BC: For certain, yeah. As quickly as I stepped on the court docket in my second season, I felt like the sport slowed down a bit bit, really so much. It was simply simpler to get to the edges, to make stops. I might learn the sport manner simpler.

BC: The Hawks video games versus Trae Younger as a result of defensively I felt like I used to be all over the place. It was some nice two-way performances.

Petre Thomas-Imagn Photos

BC: De’Aaron Fox simply because he’s actually, actually quick, man.

BC: Lots. I didn’t speak with them, however yeah, I’ve watched a whole lot of them. I hold watching a whole lot of them within the playoffs. Sadly, the Clippers are out, however I nonetheless watch Mikal Bridges. He’s performed a fantastic job defensively. Within the first two video games towards the Celtics, he had these two stops. That’s actually spectacular for a participant. The anticipation was loopy, I beloved it.

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BC: Amen Thompson could be a type of two-way gamers, I imply he’s already confirmed it. He’s performed a fantastic job within the playoffs. Taking part in good protection towards Steph Curry just isn’t simple! Even offensively, he’s right here making baskets. He’s been among the best gamers in Houston in his first playoffs, so it’s spectacular.

Reggie Hildred-Imagn Photos

BC: I don’t know so much about it however I simply talked to his dad and mom they usually advised me he was feeling higher.

Are you fearful in regards to the improve in blood clot instances?

BC: There’s been some dangerous finish of careers like that however the guys had been outdated and it was a very long time in the past. Now, the whole lot is completely different. The analysis that individuals do is manner completely different. I’m certain he’ll get by means of it.

Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports activities

BC: Yeah, I’m planning to go. I’ve talked with everyone within the group, and everyone agreed so there’s no drawback about it.