Recruiting Update: Karim Coulibaly
At 6-foot-8 and 220 pounds, Class of 2019 prospect Karim Coulibaly has the size, multi-dimensional development, and work rate which appeals to high-major programs.
A capable knockdown threat with rarified passing ability and a readiness in guarding all five positions on the court, Coulibaly has a “Mr. Everything” component synonymous with his game.
A year after averaging a double double as one of the D.C. area’s stock risers, Coulibaly is showing an adeptness around the rim and a left-handed sling shot from beyond the arc.
After visiting Rutgers this past spring, St. John’s appears to be the program in most active pursuit of the Class of 2019 forward.
Providence, which recently offered, has also been in most active pursuit.
Leading the way for Coulibaly’s services has been SJU assistant and constant presence on the recruiting trail Matt Abdelmassih.
With SJU leaning on the high scoring backcourt of Brooklyn native Shamorie Ponds and Marcus Lovett, along with the addition of guys like Marvin Simon to stabilize the frontcourt, SJU has plenty of intrigue and appeal to Coulibaly.
“They have prioritized me from the start and they’ve been the program which has shown the most effort,”said Coulibaly.
“Coach Matt (Abdelmassih) has been contacting me the most out of all of them. He calls or texts pretty much every other day. He has helped me with advice and I think he’s a great guy.”
The key for Coulibaly isn’t tweaking anything on the court. Instead, he must continue to work at turning around his spotty academics.
He’s upped his effort in the classroom and should be a qualifier instantly after this December semester.
With Coulibaly’s deft shooting touch and interior work, he has the potential to become the type of four they initially wanted Yankuba Sima to be.
A heavily touted prospect out of now defunct Elev8 Prep Academy (Delray Beach, Fla.), the 6-foot-11 Sima had the active rebounding presence and soft stroke that oozed of upside.
Only things never worked out for Sima despite a promising freshman season. He wound up bolting for Oklahoma State mid way through his sophomore season.
Coulibaly has the immeasurable intangibles to become a jack of all trades type. SJU appears to be the front runners in his recruitment.