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Former Seton Hall guard Kadary Richmond committed to Big East rival St. John’s on Tuesday.

The Brooklyn native told ESPN that the opportunity to play close to home — and under the direction of Rick Pitino, to boot — was an attractive one.

“They were big on life after basketball and player development,” Richmond said. “That stood out to me, the way they kept it real from day one. They are going to allow me to showcase my ability and become a better basketball player and person. I’d like to make a long run deep into the NCAA Tournament and eventually win a national championship. I’m ready to get to work and see what Coach Pitino has in store.”

Richmond said he also considered Syracuse, with which he spent the 2020-21 season, as well as Miami, Oklahoma and Southern California.

The move comes one day after 6-foot point guard Deivon Smith, formerly of Utah, committed to St. John’s.

Smith averaged 13.3 points, 7.1 assists and 6.3 rebounds in 28 games (21 starts) for the Utes this past season, shooting 40.8 percent from the 3-point line. He averaged 18.8 points, 9.5 assists and 8.5 rebounds in the NIT, where the Utes lost in the semifinals to Indiana State.

The 6-foot-6 Richmond received first-team All-Big East honors after averaging 15.7 points, 7.0 rebounds and 5.1 assists in 35 games (34 starts) last season. He collected 21 points, 13 rebounds and five assists as the Pirates posted a 79-77 victory over Indiana State in the NIT title game on April 4.

“I’ll always appreciate the coaching staff at Seton Hall for giving me the freedom to put myself in this position,” Richmond said. “I wish them the best.”

–Field Level Media