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Bilal Coulibaly Rumors
Holmes' move to the EuroLeague giants has been one of the summer's major signings in Greece. Coulibaly, who played alongside him during his second NBA season, was quick to underline the respect he holds for the veteran big man. "I love him, I love Rich. He's probably the hardest player I've played with," he said. "I'd love to be with him on the court. I think he's going to fit well with this team. So, good luck to him."
Asked about the mentality required to handle the task of checking both NBA and European stars, he gave a succinct answer. "Just fight. They are great players, you're going to make tough shots, but you have to stay locked in."
France defeated Spain 78 – 73 after a comeback from down 16 points at halftime during a EuroBasket preparation game that was held in Paris. On Thursday (14/8), France had also beaten Spain in Badalona.
Bilal Coulibaly had 13 points and Matthew Strazel scored 11 for France, which trailed 28 – 44 at halftime before turning the game upside down. Les Bleus made an impressive 18 – 3 run through the third and fourth periods to go up 73 – 67 with 3:29 to play.
Frank Ntilikina, Ousmane Dieng, Moussa Diabate cut from French national team roster ahead of EuroBasket
Guard Frank Ntilikina, forward Ousmane Dieng and forward Moussa Diabate were cut from the French national team roster ahead of the EuroBasket, the French Federation announced. The roster of France now has 14 players: Isaia Cordinier (Virtus Segafredo Bologna), Bilal Coulibaly (Washington Wizards), Sylvain Francisco (Zalgiris), Nadir Hifi (Paris), Jaylen Hoard (Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv), Mouhammadou Jaiteh (Dubai), Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot (Baskonia), Theo Maledon (Real Madrid), Elie Okobo (AS Monaco), Vincent Poirier (Anadolu Efes), Zaccharie Risacher (Atlanta Hawks), Alex Sarr (Washington Wizards), Matthew Strazel (AS Monaco) and captain Guerschon Yabusele (New York Knicks).
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The Wizards have their D-Day tomorrow with the draft lottery. Have you watched Cooper Flagg play? Bilal Coulibaly: Yeah, I’ve watched a lot of him. I’ve watched a lot of his games. He’s a good player. He doesn’t make any really big mistakes. He’s playing good basketball when he has to, he’s not forcing it. He can score, pass the ball, rebound, do anything on the court.
What are your plans for the next couple of months with regard to preparing for next season? Bilal Coulibaly: I’m working on my game a lot. I’ll focus on my handle and my three-point shooting so I can come back and feel way smoother and more comfortable on the court. I’ll be in DC, I’ll be probably in Dallas for a little bit too because my agency is based there, so I’ll be working out with them. I’ll be in France too so anywhere I go I’ll be working on my game.
And the most difficult player to guard? Bilal Coulibaly: De’Aaron Fox just because he’s really, really fast, man.
Josh Robbins: The Wizards' injury report for the final game of their season: Saddiq Bey, Malcolm Brogdon, Bilal Coulibaly, Anthony Gill, Richaun Holmes, Corey Kispert, Khris Middleton and Jordan Poole are all OUT. JT Thor is QUESTIONABLE to play because of right knee soreness.
Austin Krell: All of Malcolm Brogdon, Bilal Coulibaly, Anthony Gill, Corey Kispert, Khris Middleton, and Jordan Poole will be OUT for the Wizards tonight. Marcus Smart will be available. Richuan Holmes is doubtful.
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Bobby Manning: #Wizards tomorrow: Middleton, Coulibaly, Kispert, George and Brogdon all out. Marcus Smart is active, so he’ll face the #Celtics for a 2nd time since the trade. Won with Memphis in December.
Josh Robbins: The Wizards have listed Jordan Poole as out for tonight's game because of, per the team, a right elbow contusion/injury management. Also out: Khris Middleton, Saddiq Bey, Malcolm Brogdon, Bilal Coulibaly, Kyshawn George and Corey Kispert. Richaun Holmes is doubtful to play (right
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