Connect with us

Pitt BB Recruiting

What Kind of Player Would Pitt Get in Karim Coulibaly?

Published

on

As signs point towards 2019 Scotland Campus Sports center and top Pitt target Karim Coulibaly making his commitment soon, we figured it was time to find out more about this emerging talent.

As we told our Die-Hards Tuesday, Coulibaly (6-foot-9, 235 pounds) is expected to make his decision in the near future.

To find out more about him, Pittsburgh Sports Now spoke with Zach Smart, the director of sports media services for Scotland Campus Sports. Smart knows Coulibaly and has watched all of his games for the school.

”Karim is a high-motored, 6-foot-9, face-up four man with a rare ability to guard all five positions on the floor,” said Smart. “With him being left handed, he’s able to really pose matchup threats for forwards with his unique one-on-one game. He’s also extremely versatile, with an ability to hit 3-pointers and 18-to-20-foot jumpers consistently.

“As he showed multiple times during this weekend’s Military Circuit at Massanutten Military Academy in Virginia, he’s got a feathery baby hook that he can hit with consistency. He’s extremely deft at finishing around the basket. He’s established himself as a one dribble attack the rim threat, a guy who can catch it and put it on the floor and dunk it with ease.”

Due to the talented players around him, Coulibaly’s season statistics aren’t going to jump out at anyone, but Smart says stats don’t tell his whole story.

”On a lot of other teams in the country, he would be a 25 and 15 guy,” said Smart. “He’s sacrificed individual numbers for team success this year, as there has been stellar guard play from a deep backcourt. I think that speaks to his selflessness and the character he brings.

”You’d be hard-pressed to find a more unassuming, workmanlike and mature kid. He’s as good off the court as he is on it. He has the type of easy going style and personality that would certainly endear him to Pitt’s fanbase.”

Coulibaly was in town two weeks ago for the Syracuse game and could be back on Saturday for an official visit. The choice is down to Pitt and St. Joe’s, with a decision expected soon.

”He loved his recent visit to Pitt,” said Smart. “Coach Capel and Coach Brown were here in the fall and showed a great appreciation for his game. At the same time, St. Joe’s has been there for the long haul. I think at this time, it is clear Pitt is recruiting him the hardest and there is a demand for him there and he understands that. He still has not indicated when he will commit, but if I was a betting man, I would say it would be sooner than later.”

Die-Hards subscribers can read more on our thoughts on Coulibaly below. Not a member yet? Subscribe here.

Die-Hards: Another Commitment Coming For Jeff Capel?

Sandy Schall, Coldwell Banker
Click to comment
Subscribe
Notify of
guest
0 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
 
Like Pittsburgh Sports Now on Facebook!
Send this to a friend