Can Richmond and Mitch Savoca knock off Duke?

Mitch Savoca has 61 career points for Richmond heading into the weekend. (Carlos Morales/Richmond Athletics)

Richmond coach Dan Chemotti wasn't only looking to bring in one of the best lacrosse players in Connecticut when it came to recruiting Fairfield Prep midfielder Mitch Savoca (Newtown, Conn.). He was also looking to recruit one of the best athletes he saw when scouting four years ago at a Maverik Lacrosse Showcase in Danbury, Conn.

Savoca, a three-time all-conference and two-time all-state lacrosse player, was also a standout basketball player in high school. There were long sings that his hardwood skills would translate to the turf at the next level.

“I love lacrosse players who have also played basketball,” Chemotti said. “You don’t see as much of it. You have a lot of guys who also play football or hockey. But I think basketball and lacrosse fit extremely well. Basketball players seem to see the field well and can read things. They understand how to get to the goal, how to pass, how to read a play ahead.