“It was a little bit different; before, a big crowd is 3,000 people but now it’s like 15,000 people, so that’s a big difference,” Coulibaly said. “But once I got out on the court it was a game like any other, so I was just trying to get it as simple as possible. I had to take a deep breath the first time out, but as soon as I got my first bucket, I was cool after that.”
That first bucket is one he’ll never forget, and one Rooster admitted looked so beautiful from a fan perspective – as does much of his game, including traits that even surprise Coulibaly from time-to-time, like how far he has come defensively.
“I've been working on the defensive end, putting in work on the court,” Coulibaly said, “and I feel pretty good (offensively). I just gotta be patient, you know, to get the ball and get more involved offensively. I feel pretty good in my abilities offensively, just trying to get the ball to prove it.”
What he’s already proving in one game with a new, young team is that the guys are gelling nicely.
“The chemistry has been very good since the first practice, and it won’t take that long,” he said. “The second game will be better for sure.”
Hopefully, as the second game is Saturday’s home opener, which Coulibaly’s family will be here from France for – and hopefully, they’ll be able to get out and do some DC touristy stuff, too.
“I’m in the gym all day, but whenever I get out, there is a lot of history in Washington,” Coulibaly said, “so trying to do some museums and memorials with the family and everything.”
Or, at the very least, enjoy Bilal’s favorite meal: mom’s lasagna.
“I don't know what she's putting in, but that's just delicious,” Coulibaly laughed. “She puts a lot of different types of meats and cheese, it’s just really good.”
When they do leave, though, Coulibaly still has a good friend and mentor to lean on: GM Will Dawkins.
“Oh yeah, we have a good relationship. He always has my back, when I’m in trouble or don’t understand something, he’ll come to me and say the real thing,” Coulibaly said. “Off the court, he’s a great guy, taking his time with me. He’s a great guy and taking his time with me.”