Bilal Coulibaly out four-to-six weeks

Smart is a rugged, fiery personality who leaves everything out on the floor and was a former Defensive Player of the Year. He brings that grit and provides advice as well. “I was struggling a little bit on the off-ball screens and he’s been talking to me, giving me tips — how to get to the body, how to be physical without fouling,” Coulibaly said. “He’s been teaching me a lot. I mean, just putting pressure on the guys without fouling. I was fouling too much, putting both hands on the players, and he gave me a couple tips, so I’m way better now.” -via Responsible Gaming / March 11, 2025

This season, Coulibaly has more than doubled his touch-time average (3.25 seconds per game) from his rookie campaign. That has led to an increase in opportunities as a scorer and playmaker. Through 56 games, Coulibaly is producing 12.4 points and 3.5 assists a night. Further, he has upped his potential assist per-game average to 6.6 from 3.1 in his first year. “Work a lot and just confidence [have led to that growth],” Coulibaly said echoing Relph’s words. “Confidence from my teammates, confidence from myself, coaches giving me the ball. I know I can create, so it’s just me and my aggressiveness.” -via Responsible Gaming / March 11, 2025

We also have to remember that Coulibaly is also being asked to guard the opponent’s top weapon on 45% of Washington’s defensive possessions — a challenge he relishes. “I mean, I love it,” Coulibaly told RG. “That’s all I ask for. I’m a competitor, so playing defense against the best guys is all I need, man. It just gets me going in games too offensively, so that’s how I get locked in.” -via Responsible Gaming / March 11, 2025