They are used to playing 2K online together, with their respective teams. At the heart of their new NBA life, Sidy Cissoko, Rayan Rupert and Bilal Coulibaly keep the link in their own way, without forgetting their recent change of dimension.
“ Without putting unnecessary pressure on ourselves, we want to show that we are there, we want to represent French basketball well. », fixed the third, interviewed by Le Parisien on his environment in Washington. The Wizards player, drafted in 7th position, adds: “ Personally, I just want to be the best version of myself. If all goes well, I hope to be one of the important players in French basketball in the years to come. »
The 19-year-old, already close to Jordan Poole, hopes to “ inspire young people and encourage them to take up basketball “. He says he has already received messages from young people who explain to him that his journey inspires them. “ That I am an example to them. »
Vincent Collet knows him well
In addition to his career with the Wizards, the former Metropolitans 92 player will gain influence on this youth by donning the blue jersey of the France team. He also did not miss “ no matches » of the national team’s failed World Cup. “ I’m disappointed, but it’s complicated for me to talk about it. I wasn’t there to find out what happened. There are undoubtedly reasons… I’ll let those interested express themselves. »
What if he himself were led to join these “interested parties”? The rear bluntly admits that the Paris Olympic Games are “a important goal and it has become even more so since this World Cup “. Aware of having to realize “ a good season » to claim it, he indicates that he is still in contact with Vincent Collet, the coach and his former coach in Boulogne.
He sent him a “ Kind message » after his Draft. His staff will no doubt closely monitor his first steps in the Big League. Bilal Coulibaly says he has not yet had a concrete discussion with the managers to find out his role in his new team, to know their expectations. “ But I know they are counting on me. »
In the meantime, it is already “ really proud. My goal was to go to the NBA this season, I didn’t want to wait any longer. People looked at me strangely when I talked about it last season because they had a lot of doubts. I proved otherwise. I was right to believe it. I am young but age is neither a criterion nor a barrier. I want to show. I’m ready », concludes the Frenchman.
