The Wizards guard wants to see if Les Bleus will select him to play for his country where the games will be played in his home country.
Washington Wizards guard Bilal Coulibaly just finished his rookie season, where he played mostly in a reserve role. The Frenchman has shown promise on the defensive end and had his moments on offense as well. But if you think that he is dying to play in the 2024 NBA Summer League, think again.
In postseason media availability last week, Coulibaly said that his availability for Summer League will depend on whether he is selected for the French men’s national basketball team.
Bilal Coulibaly said whether he plays in the Las Vegas Summer League will depend on if he makes the French Olympic team. His goal is to be on Team France and play in the Paris Games, not far from where he grew up.
— Chase Hughes (@chasedcsports) April 15, 2024
Playing for Les Bleus is a noble goal. But France is also one of the top countries in the world. It’s a stretch to see him make the team unless other veteran guards get injured or decide to skip the Olympics. Furthermore, Coulibaly has never played for the senior team, though he had played for France in lower levels.
Ultimately, I don’t think Coulibaly will make the French men’s national team, though it’s really early. But I also think the jury’s out as to whether he plays in the Summer League. Do you see Coulibaly making the Olympic team this year? Let us know in the comments below.