Chris Spatola, the former Army basketball player who built a respected career as a college basketball analyst and radio personality, has died at 47.
News of Spatola’s death came as a shock across the college basketball community. No cause of death had been announced at the time of publication.
Spatola spent years discussing and covering the sport for ESPN and SiriusXM. ESPN confirmed his death 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,” the network said in a statement.
“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.”
A four-year starter at the United States Military Academy, Spatola played for Army from 1998 through 2002.
Chris Spatola, the former Army basketball player and Duke coach, died unexpectedly at 47
Spatola was the son-in-law of longtime Duke basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski
He married Krzyzewski’s daughter, Jamie, and the couple had three children
After serving in the U.S. Army, Spatola moved into coaching and joined the Duke staff as an assistant under Mike Krzyzewski.
Their professional relationship later became a family connection when Spatola married Krzyzewski’s daughter, Jamie.
Spatola is survived by Jamie and their three children, John David, Mackenzie and Madeline.
The Krzyzewski family shared a statement mourning Spatola’s death: “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 departed Duke’s coaching staff in 2012 to begin his broadcasting career with ESPN before later joining SiriusXM. Following news of his death, colleagues and friends shared tributes across social media.
Spatola spent the later years of his career as a college basketball analyst and commentator for ESPN and SiriusXM
College GameDay host Rece Davis wrote that he was “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.”
Baylor coach Scott Drew also remembered Spatola as a close friend and respected colleague. “So many Great Memories of Baylor Games he announced,” Drew wrote. “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.’
