From the time Kyle Castlin started playing basketball his desire was to play at the highest level possible. After his freshman year, however, he made a promise to commit on a date he would never forget.

Castlin did just that Tuesday morning when he committed to Columbia University.

“The academics and them being one of the top schools in the world stood out to me,” said the Hillgrove senior, who wants to study Business Finance and currently holds a 4.1 GPA. “I will never forget this day.”

He also considered Wofford, Furman, Winthrop and UNC Asheville.

Castlin has longed for the day to play college basketball.

Everything about the New York based university appealed to him. Columbia showed him plenty of attention throughout the recruiting process. They also informed him of their desire to have a player with his skill set a part of their program. He is a shooter who has the ability to get to the basket, which would fit the Lions.

Castlin was not promised anything by the Columbia staff and is willing to do what they need to be a contributor next season. The Lions became a favorite when Castlin’s family took an unofficial visit to the school over the summer. After taking his official visit, he was sold on the school even though there were official visits scheduled to other basketball programs.

Columbia, however, always had an edge. The entire staff was always talking to him whenever possible. He also wanted loved New York City.

For years, the Georgia native has dreamt of living in the Big Apple. Whenever he met new people Castlin would jokingly tell them he was from New York. After being there in the summer and on his official visit, he was sold on the hustle and bustle of the concrete jungle.

“I really like the fact that you can walk every where,” Castlin said. “New York is the center of the world.”

The true center of Castlin’s world is Rodney Antonio Castlin. Eight years ago, to date, the elder Castlin passed away when his son was four-year old. The younger Castlin made a promise to himself that whenever he committed to a university it would be on the anniversary of his father’s unfortunate death.

“He was the first to put a ball in my hand,” Castlin said. “I play this game because of my dad. I will never forget this day. He helped get me started playing basketball.”