Bilal Coulibaly Wants Respect Put On His Name

With the Wizards holding a 3-17 record, it can be difficult to convince fans to be patient with the rebuilding process. However, there is hope that the team is putting the right pieces in place the more rookie Bilal Coulibaly makes a name for himself.

Coulibaly is showing clear signs of development in each game that he plays. In his first eight games he averaged 6.5 points, 2.9 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 0.5 steals. He also shot 43.9% from the field, 37.5% from three-point range, and 63.6% from the free throw line in 23.5 minutes.

Those numbers have moved up in his past eleven games with his averages increasing to 10 points, 4.2 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 1.6 steals. His shooting has improved to 57.1% from the field, 44.4% from three-point range, and 71.4% from the free throw line in 28.5 minutes.

Coulibaly acknowledges that he is getting more comfortable on the court but that’s not his only focus. He also wants to make sure his opponents know that he will not be disrespected.

“I feel like sometimes they [opponents] are disrespecting me,” Coulibaly said. “Sometimes not playing defense on the three-point line so I just take those shots. Even if I miss it, I take it, and next time it goes in.”