The journey of Bilal Coulibaly to the NBA has always been one of quiet resilience and calculated growth. In his rookie season with the Washington Wizards, he showed flashes of brilliance that included ranking sixth among rookies in total steals and blocks and was in the top 10 for points (ninth) and rebounds (eighth) at the time of his season-ending injury.
He was the second-youngest player to appear in a game last season, averaging 8.4 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game, with a shooting percentage of .435 from the field and .346 from three-point range. These efforts also landed him in NBA All-Star Weekend’s Rising Stars Competition.
Now, in his second season, Coulibaly is finally stepping into his own, blending confidence with skill in a way that’s transforming him into the threat the Wizards envisioned him being and they quickly rewarded him by exercising the team’s third-year rookie scale team option on him.
The Wizards’ recent victories against the Atlanta Hawks served as a showcase for Coulibaly’s newfound assertiveness. In their October 28th matchup, Coulibaly scored 17 points while contributing two rebounds, three assists, and two steals. He also limited Trae Young, one of the league’s best players.
When the team’s met again on October 30th, Coulibaly’s potential seemed to burst wide open. In an impressive career-high performance, Coulibaly dropped 27 points on an incredible 11-of-14 shooting, including three 3-pointers.
Two in a row for the Wizards and the first home win of the season. A happy crowd. #ForTheDistrict pic.twitter.com/YrlgHrdhdP
— Double Take Sports (@dbltakesports) October 31, 2024
But it wasn’t just his shooting that caught everyone’s attention; Coulibaly was all over the court, grabbing a team-high nine rebounds, swiping three steals, and adding a block for good measure. This wasn’t the same Coulibaly who played it safe in his rookie season; this was a young star claiming his place.
What’s notable about Coulibaly’s rise isn’t just the stats but the poise he’s shown on the court. With these back-to-back strong performances against Atlanta, he has now scored 15 or more points in three consecutive games—a career-best for him—and he’s consistently hitting shots from beyond the arc. For a player who had often been hesitant to shoot, this newfound rhythm from three-point range speaks to the confidence he’s gaining in his shot and his place on the team.
Just four games into the season, Bilal Coulibaly is showing immediate confidence to include locking up Trae Young & reaching a career-high 27 points vs. the Hawks. He told us after the season opener how much things have changed for him since his rookie year. #NBA pic.twitter.com/Z7U7rZum6O
— Double Take Sports (@dbltakesports) October 31, 2024
When discussing his increased confidence, Coulibaly said: “I feel like it’s the main thing in basketball. For me, it’s probably 60% basketball skills and 40% confidence. I’m really confident right now, and I’m playing well. You just gotta be locked in mentally.”
The Wizards have been searching for someone to step up, and Coulibaly seems ready to answer the call. His teammates have noticed it too.
While Coulibaly’s journey is far from over, it’s clear he’s starting to believe in himself in a way he never has before—and that belief is fueling a new, fearless style of play. He also mentioned that his teammates and coaches have motivated him to take it to the next level.
“I’m just like, man everybody believes in me. I gotta believe in myself,” Coulibaly said.
As he continues to grow, Coulibaly’s confidence could be the spark the Wizards need to make future noise in the Eastern Conference. For now, he’s relishing the moment, proving to himself and his team that he is there to make an impact. In just two games, he’s already telling a story that Wizards fans are eager to see unfold.