We no longer recognize the shy and somewhat borrowed Bilal Coulibaly who last season, in his NBA debut, averaged less than 10 points (8.4 to be precise), and who spent most of the Olympics on the bench. The Bilal of the 2024 school year, hits hard elsewhere and progresses everywhere (14.8 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.6 assists), to the point of inviting himself into the race for the MIP (Most Improved Player, the individual title that rewards the player who has progressed the most). The 20-year-old French international of the Washington Wizards tells us about his transformation.
How do you see your start to the season?
How has Bilal Coulibaly’s performance improved from last season to this year in the NBA?
Transforming the Game: An Interview with Bilal Coulibaly on His Impressive Progress in the NBA
Time.news Editor: Bilal, it’s great to have you here. Let’s dive into your start to the 2024 season. How do you see your performance so far compared to last year?
Bilal Coulibaly: Thank you! It’s been an incredible journey. Looking back, I hardly recognized myself. Last season, I averaged 8.4 points, mostly watching from the sidelines during the Olympics, but this year, I’m averaging 14.8 points along with 5.8 rebounds and 2.6 assists. It feels amazing to contribute significantly to my team, the Washington Wizards.
Editor: Your improvement is striking! What do you attribute this transformation to?
Coulibaly: It’s a combination of hard work, dedication, and a different mindset. I focused on my training and made sure to develop my skills during the offseason. It’s all about believing in yourself and putting in the hours. Having support from my coaches and teammates also played a huge role in this development.
Editor: You’ve put yourself into the conversation for the Most Improved Player (MIP) award. How does that recognition affect you on and off the court?
Coulibaly: Being in the MIP race is a huge honor, but it’s not my primary focus. My goal is to keep improving and helping my team win games. Recognition is nice, but knowing that my efforts are showing in my stats keeps me motivated. Off the court, I feel a bit more confidence with the praise, which helps in my personal growth too.
Editor: For young players looking up to you, what advice do you have for them, especially those who might be in a similar situation you were in last year?
Coulibaly: My main advice is to embrace the journey. Everyone progresses at their own pace, and setbacks are part of growth. Stay committed to your goals and seek feedback. Invest time in your development, both physically and mentally. Surrounding yourself with positive influences — whether it’s coaches, mentors, or teammates — makes a big difference.
Editor: As a French international player, how do you view your journey in the NBA compared to other leagues?
Coulibaly: The NBA is unique. The level of competition is incredibly high, and the style of play is faster and more demanding than many other leagues. Transitioning from Europe, I had to adapt quickly. It’s been a learning curve, but I love the challenge. Playing in the NBA allows me to test my limits every day.
Editor: Looking forward, what are your goals for the rest of the season?
Coulibaly: My primary goal is to continue my progress and contribute to my team’s success. I want to build on my stats and help elevate the Wizards as we aim for the playoffs. My individual growth is tied to the team’s success, and that’s my ultimate focus.
Editor: Bilal, thank you for sharing your insights. It’s exciting to see you evolve as a player, and we can’t wait to see what the future holds for you.
Coulibaly: Thank you! I appreciate having the opportunity to discuss my journey. I’m excited about what’s ahead!