Another 2024 guard from Illinois has made their college commitment. After Josh Pickett announced his commitment on Friday to Denver, Gianni Cobb committed on Saturday. The point guard of Homewood-Flossmoor High School and Team Rose made his verbal commitment to Columbia University. The commitment comes after the senior made his official visit to the New York City campus last month. 

“Not only the coaching staff but the team too,” Cobb first said about the main things he liked about Columbia. The location of the school being in Manhattan also played a large role. “Also, that it’s in New York City. It feels like home away from home. When I went on the visit it was like Columbia campus had their own little town. You really don’t even have to leave campus. I also love the athletic facility. When I first stepped on the gym floor, I told my Dad it feels like I should be playing on this floor.” While he said that he didn’t need to be in a major city, it “was a plus” for him. 

There was also one prominent factor off the court and location which was in the classroom. “Of course, academics play a great part,” Cobb said about choosing the Ivy League school. I feel that at least if basketball doesn’t work out long term or whenever the ball stops bouncing, I can set myself up with a degree that will have me in position to provide for myself. 

“I see myself fitting there because even though they’re recruiting me to be a point guard and run a team they also want me to be me and score the basketball,” Cobb said about his game fitting in at Columbia. 

“Was the school that checked all the boxes,” he finished up saying on his decision. Cobb picked Columbia over his other offers coming from Cal Poly, Radford, and UC-Davis. To finish off his high school basketball career, he is looking to win a state championship.