"St. John's was the best pick for me," Pelle said. "Being in New York with coach Lavin is going to be wonderful. Once you hit college, I know you have to stay in the gym all the time. Trying to get better and overcome your weaknesses and strengths is what matters.

"I'm going to have to defend myself, start my name all over again and live up to the hype. It won't be easy, I know that it's going to be tough the whole time. I like a challenge though. I want to have the best of both worlds, as they say. It would be excellent for people back at home to know that you can go out to the Big East, or the East Coast, and dominate.''

Whether that happens remains to be seen. One thing is certain: Pelle is well on his way and will be leaving Los Angeles behind sooner rather than later.