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Ricky Torres is a shooting guard from New York City. He went to St. Raymond's for high school and will be a freshman at St. John's University in the 2005-06 college basketball season. InsideHoops.com met recently met with Torres for a quick exclusive interview.

InsideHoops.com: How'd you wind up picking St. John's?

Rickey Torres: I had three choices, my last three choices were St. John's, Pittsburgh and Louisville, and I did a real history on all three schools, see who was there, freshman going in, my chances of playing and stuff like that, and I picked St. John's over those two schools because I'd have the right people surrounding me, and I think I have the best chance of playing right away. That was my main concern, playing right away. Also I want to stay next to my little brother, who has Down's Syndrome. So I want to stay next to him and my family. So, it was the right choice for me. I like the coaching staff, and the team is real good. We're going to be up-and-coming. Give it a couple years and St. John's will be back where they used to be.

InsideHoops.com: Yeah, St. John's has been down lately, and you'll be one of the main guys pulling them back up.

Rickey Torres: Yeah, I was the first one to commit to St. John's under Norm Roberts. Coach Roberts and Coach Martin. Coach Martin, he actually graduated from St. Raymond's, and he was a big part of my decision.

InsideHoops.com: Who do you know on the team already? Daryll Hill, for one.

Rickey Torres: Yeah, I know Daryll, Eugene Lawrence, and Jermaine Maybank. I know a couple of guys.

InsideHoops.com: Finally, if you have a message for college basketball fans about the Red Storm, send it out there.

Rickey Torres: I feel that over the next two years, St. John's will be back on the map. Our coaching staff is working really hard, all the New York City kids, and I give it two years and we'll be back on the map. We'll have New York City bumpin' for us.