Chris Spatola, a longtime college basketball analyst and radio host, has died at the age of 47.
Spatola’s passing was unexpected, with stunned reactions coming in from throughout the college basketball landscape. At the time of publishing, the cause of his death was unknown.
Spatola spent years with ESPN and SiriusXM covering the game. His passing was confirmed by the Worldwide Leader on Monday night.
‘Chris Spatola brought a unique perspective to ESPN’s college basketball coverage, shaped by his experiences as a student-athlete, Army veteran, coach and broadcaster,’ a statement from the network read.
‘He was thoughtful, prepared and passionate about the sport, earning the respect of colleagues, coaches, players and fans alike. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his loved ones during this difficult time.’
Spatola was a four-year starter playing college basketball at the United States Military Academy at West Point from 1998 to 2002.
Chris Spatola, a former Army basketball player and Duke coach, died suddenly at age 47
Spatola was also the son-in-law of Duke basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski
Spatola married Krzyzewski’s daughter, Jamie, and had three children with her
He served in the US Army before eventually joining the Duke coaching staff as an assistant under Mike Krzyzewski.
Krzyzewski would later become Spatola’s father-in-law when he married the coach’s daughter, Jamie.
Chris is survived by Jamie and their three children: John David, Mackenzie and Madeline.
A statement from the Krzyzewski family read: ‘There are no words to adequately express our heartbreak over the loss of our beloved Chris Spatola.
‘Chris served our country, was a devoted husband and father, and was such an important part of our family.
‘We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of love, thoughts, and prayers we have received during this incredibly difficult time.
‘We respectfully ask for privacy as our entire family, particularly Jamie and her three beautiful children, grieve and process this unimaginable loss.’
Spatola left Duke’s coaching ranks in 2012 to join ESPN and later continued on to SiriusXM. Colleagues posted condolences and remembrances on social media.
Spatola had spent the past few years as an analyst and commentator with ESPN and Sirius XM
College GameDay host Rece Davis posted, ‘Devastated to hear the news of the loss of Chris Spatola. Brilliant, funny, dedicated to his family, hoops and his crafts of coaching and broadcasting. My prayers are with his beautiful family. I’ll remember him like this – coming out of practice, fired up for a game.’
‘Chris was a friend and someone I really respected,’ wrote Baylor basketball coach Scott Drew. ‘So many Great Memories of Baylor Games he announced. He often talked about his family and I know how much he loved them. Praying for the Spatola Family.’
Former Virginia Tech coach and veteran ESPN analyst Seth Greenberg described the loss as ‘heartbreaking’ and called Spatola ‘such a good soul.’
‘Don’t have any words right now other than that we’ve all lost a great one,’ wrote basketball play-by-play voice Matt Martucci. ‘The light of the world is not as bright without somebody like Chris Spatola in it. RIP to a friend, colleague, and a wonderful family man.’
‘Hug your loved ones. I really liked Chris. Always positive when I was around him. Awful, awful news Rest in Peace,’ posted ESPN analyst Terrence Oglesby.
‘Chris Spatola was an incredible human being, caring for everybody around him and showcasing his rich passion for basketball with the manner in which he called games,’ wrote NBC Sports broadcaster John Fanta.
‘The sport was better because Chris was a part of it. Beyond the hardwood, Chris was a family man who graduated from West Point and bravely served our country in Iraq. Just a tremendous person who cared for others and was always giving of his time. God bless Chris and his family & friends. Heartbroken to learn of his passing.’
