Bilal Coulibaly Submits Paperwork for 2023 NBA Draft

French basketball player Bilal Coulibaly has joined his Metropolitans 92 teammate Victor Wembanyama in submitting paperwork to become eligible for the 2023 NBA draft, ESPN reported.

Coulibaly, a projected first-round pick, has seen his career take off in the French first division in recent months, having scored in double figures in four of his past ten games while impressing on both ends of the court.

NEWS: Bilal Coulibaly, a projected first rounder, has declared for the NBA draft, he told ESPN. Standing 6'8 with a 7'2 wingspan and significant long-term potential, Coulibaly has broken out in a major way alongside Victor Wembanyama as of late.

STORY: https://t.co/1AyQYyyaq0 pic.twitter.com/K6RKzr6n6K
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) April 20, 2023

At 6ft 8in, 194 pounds with a 7ft 2in wingspan, he is the third youngest player in ESPN 100 at age 18 and is a different prospect than his competitors in this draft, having only grown to his current height after a late growth spurt.

Bilal Coulibaly is such an intriguing wing prospect. Super smooth mover with good length and a fun toolbox of skills. Demonstrates his ability as a passer here coming off the quick pitch into the re-screen P&R with Wembanyama here. Doesn’t get the assist but makes the read that… pic.twitter.com/rqDfo1sZOb
— NBA Draft Dude 🤙 (@CoreyTulaba) April 12, 2023

Despite injuries earlier in the season, he has developed into an important rotation player for his team, whose games have been well-scouted by NBA executives watching Wembanyama, the likely No.1 pick.

With these dimensions, Coulibaly’s defensive potential is considerable.

He is often tasked to slow down point guards and shows impressive quickness covering the ground and contesting shots on the perimeter.

Based on the information provided, Coulibaly is considering whether to remain in the 2023 draft or wait until the 2024 draft.

I would be kind of shocked if he doesn’t receive a promise from some sort of team in like the late first / early second round range. Bilal Coulibaly has a ridiculous amount of upside. https://t.co/BBjP1ZFeu4
— Global Scouting (@GlobalScouting_) April 20, 2023

He has until the June 12 early-entry withdrawal deadline to make this decision.

If he decides to remain in the 2023 draft, he will have the opportunity to be selected as a top-10 pick.

However, if he decides to wait until the 2024 draft, he may have a better chance of being a top-10 pick due to the weaker class, but he will have to wait another year to enter the NBA.

Ultimately, the decision will depend on various factors, including Coulibaly’s performance in the draft process, his individual goals, and the advice of his agent and other advisors.