By ZACH SMART
SCOTLAND, Pa. — At 6-foot-9 and 225 pounds, Scotland Campus Sports’ Karim Coulibaly has the build and make-up of a power player. Coulibaly’s vastly improved handle, outside shooting, and the ability to clamp down on the 1-4 consistently, however, are factors which make him such a unique threat.
The Class of 2019 combination forward has proven he can engineer the transition attack and finish, fresh off a defensive rebound. He’s shown a knock for popping out and sticking straight away 3-pointers. The southpaw’s deft touch is instrumental in steering rim protecting bigs outside of the paint, simultaneously opening up the floor.
Coulibaly’s motor and bruising tenacity in the trenches now has several Division-I coaches likening his style to an old school Big East forward. He’s a guy who embraces a black-and-blue, rugged approach despite bringing a wing’s skill set.
UConn is the latest program to express interest in Coulibaly, who holds offers from St. Joe’s, Tulane, Providence, Rutgers, Cincinnati, DePaul, St. John’s, Georgia Tech, South Alabama, and others. UConn and Pitt are among a buffet line of coaches slated to see him next week.
“I think everybody is moving at the same pace right now,” said SCS head coach Chris Chaney, who indicated that St. Joe’s has ramped up their pursuit and that Coulibaly will likely visit the campus officially soon.
“With the leadership and just the toughness in the style that he plays with, he could really take (the high school national team) over the top. Karim has a real feel for the game and he likes to play defense. With him being left-handed, with him being able to guard nearly every position on the floor, and with him being able to take guys inside and outside, he really creates matchup difficulties.”
This much was evident during Scotland’s open gym last week. Coulibaly had several possessions in which he took the ball the length of the floor and finished powerfully. He scored several putbacks and second chance buckets, turning in plays in which ultimately showcased the physical advantage and college-ready body he possesses. Coulibaly has also improved in the one on one game, as working with player development ace Sullivan Brown has tightened up his handle.
“Right now it is St. Joe’s, Tulane, and Providence,” said Coulibaly of the programs he is hearing from the most. “It is really those three. I’d like to visit them soon and get a decision made before the season starts. That way I’ll have the decision out of the way and be able to focus solely on basketball throughout the season.”
Last year, Coulibaly had interior help with 7-foot-1 center Aristide “Ari” Boya (Bradley) and 6-foot-11 Class of 2018 big Louis Bangai (UNLV). Boasting more of a wide ranging offensive game, Coulibaly will be the focal point offensively. He’s expected to lead the team in scoring and rebounding and blocks. Averaging a double double isn’t far fetched expectations for the Mali, Africa native.
Coulibaly said he’s used his time in Pennsylvania wisely, shoring up academic issues which may have plagued him early on in his career.
While St. Joe’s, Tulane, and Providence are jockeying for the position of front runner in his recruitment, Coulibaly said he’s wide open. While he ideally would like to make a decision before Nov.15, he said he’s weighing all options and potential Division-I destinations.
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