Wizards Rookie Bilal Coulibaly Records First Career Double Double
Wizards rookie Bilal Coulibaly continues to impress recording his first career double double against the Brooklyn Nets. Coulibaly is becoming more aggressive on the offensive end but where he’s shown even more development on the defensive side. At a seven-foot wingspan, Coulibaly documented ten rebounds against the Nets.
This is a rookie player that some may have thought would take a bit more time to get acclimated to the NBA style of play, given he is an international player. Milwaukee Bucks player and All Star Guard Damian Lillard was one of the first to publicly note that Coulibaly wasn't scared of the moment. If Lillard saw it, many of Coulibaly’s peers and veterans are seeing it too.
Player development was one of the main focus areas for the Wizards new leadership team. The Wizards restructured coaching staff has robust knowledge and experience in this area. In a rebuild year, this was one of the key aspects the team has noted of wanting to ensure they see. Player development and growth.
In Coulibaly’s first game against the Brooklyn Nets he had a career high 20 points. In the second game, his first career double double. Perhaps he just likes playing the Nets, perhaps that’s a sign of player development and growth, maybe it’s both.
Either way, with the Wizards record sitting at 3-18 and standing at 14th in the Eastern Conference, it could feel like that’s nothing to be excited about. The progression of Bilal Coulibaly is a bright spot and something to continuously watch as the season goes on. Player development and growth is where the focus lies currently and perhaps the Wizards are on to something special with their first round pick, Bilal Coulibaly.
