Thousands of miles from Victor Wembanyama, Bilal Coulibaly also had his first press conference to formalize his arrival at the Wizards. Always so smiling and relaxed, the former Mets 92 winger chose to wear number 0. In Washington, it’s not a number like the others since no one had worn it since Gilbert Arenas.
“I am very proud to wear this number. I know Agent Zero was the last one to wear it, and I give him all my respect. I had a great year this season with this number. I hope this will continue” explained the former Wembanyama teammate.
A text message from Jordan Poole
During this press briefingCoulibaly confirmed that Mikal Bridges was his role model: “I just want to see how he defends, how he attacks on the pick-and-roll and everything else”. He also revealed that he received a text message from Jordan Poole welcoming him to Washington. Other text messages received, those of Kevin Seraphin and Ian Mahinmi, two French people who went through the franchise.
“Even before I was drafted, I was talking to them,” he told The Athletic. “I trained with Kevin Séraphin. As soon as I was drafted, they called me and just wished me luck. They told me they were coming to Washington to support me. »
The future “franchise player” of the Wizards?
At 18, and while he really exploded this year, Coulibaly does not hide his ambitions. Like Wembanyama, he aims for the heights. “I want to be a good two-way player. But I also want to be a franchise player within four years. »
It’s ambitious, but the franchise is starting a new chapter in its history after the departure of Bradley Beal, and there are places to fill. On the side of the leaders, we are convinced to have found the rare pearl. “He has a rare blend of youth, athleticism, speed, and the ability to dribble, pass and defend at a high level,” said Will Dawkins, the new GM. “He is a ‘two-way player’ in whom we have complete confidence. It has an excellent base to start with. »
