Victor Wembanyama came into the NBA with unprecedented hype and expectations. The rookie joined the NBA from a French professional team called Mets 92 and was anticipated to immediately assume the role of the best player on the Spurs’ roster. Thus far, he has lived up to those expectations. Another Mets 92 player and Wembanyama’s childhood friend, Bilal Coulibaly, entered the NBA through the 2023 NBA draft, albeit with considerably less attention and fanfare.

The Washington Wizards drafted Bilal Coulibaly with the 7th pick in the 2023 NBA Draft and he did not face extensive scrutiny. This was because he was perceived more as a project player rather than one expected to make an immediate impact. However, Bilal Coulibaly has exceeded expectations from his pre-draft projections, establishing himself as one of the top defenders for the Wizards. On Saturday night, he has the opportunity to fulfill his childhood “dream” of playing in the NBA with Wembanyama.

In an interview, Coulibaly stated, “It’s going to be a dream, because we just wanted for each other to go to the league, and now we’re here, and we’re going to play each other. It’s going to be a fun time for sure.” Wembanyama’s Spurs are scheduled to face Coulibaly’s Wizards later tonight at the Capital One Arena in Washington DC.

Even Wembanyama chimed in about his match-up with Coulibaly during an interview on Wednesday. He said, “At the time, it was just dreams and something crazy. But we happened to both make it here, and I’m just so proud of him. It is going to feel weird, for sure.” It will undoubtedly be a momentous occasion for both players, especially for Coulibaly given his tough road to the NBA.

Bilal Coulibaly’s road to the NBA

Coulibaly began playing basketball at the age of eight for the Courbevoie Sport Basket. He transitioned to professional basketball in 2021 when he joined the under-21 side of the Metropolitans 92. Due to injuries to key players, Coulibaly was promoted to the senior team during the 2022-23 season. However, after just one year of professional basketball, the 19-year-old decided to enter the 2023 NBA Draft.

Shaquille O’Neal Ends Dwight Howard Beef With 1 Envious Confession: “Did Something I Couldn’t Do”

Trending

Bucks Injury Report: Game 6 Return for Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard Looks Plausible After Miraculous Win

May 01, 2024 06:21 AM EDT

Bronny in Deep Waters as $800,000 Suffering Forces LeBron James’ Son to End College Career With Major Declining Numbers

April 27, 2024 01:45 PM EDT

What Happened to Kenny Smith’s Legs? Unfolding the Sad Truth Behind TNT Host’s Dodgy Knees

April 22, 2024 08:05 PM EDT

“Kissing & Hugging Too Much”: Charles Barkley Claims Michael Jordan Had No Friends, Warns Anthony Edwards of Tough Future

April 30, 2024 07:00 AM EDT

“I’m So Disappointed in Kobe”: Charles Barkley’s Bold Take on Live TV Forced a Midnight Call With Frustrated Lakers Legend

May 02, 2024 02:13 AM EDT

Get instantly notified of the hottest NBA stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

Coming into the league, Coulibaly was a much less heralded prospect. However, this doesn’t diminish the fact that Coulibaly possesses abundant talent and significant potential for success on the NBA stage. Coulibaly has averaged 8.2 points, 4.2 rebounds and 1.2 assists in 26.3 minutes of playing time this season. He has shown immense promise in his limited time in the NBA, but can he become a star in the future? Let us know in the comments below!

Watch this Story: “Everyone Knows, This Is Your House”: Heat Family, Jimmy Butler and Co Cherish Dwayne Wade on Special Night