WRAL News has learned that Chris Spatola, a basketball analyst and son-in-law of former Duke University head coach Mike Krzyzewski, has died. Duke confirmed that Spatola passed away and provided a statement from the Krzyzewski family. “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 a very 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 It is unclear how Spatola died. He was 47 years old and Spatola was an assistant coach for the Blue Devils from 2007 to 2012. Spatola also served as Duke’s director of basketball operations during his time in Durham. Before joining the Blue Devils, he was a four-year starter in the Army from 1998 to 2002. Following his playing days, he served in the United States Army as a battery commander and executive officer for five years. Spatola spoke to WRAL about his bond with Krzyzewski’s family in 2022 and said the story between him and his wife, Jamie, was very similar to the story between Krzyzewski and his wife. Spatola was also active with USA Basketball under Krzyzewski, working as an on-court coach for the US Men’s National Team that won gold at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, as well as gold at the 2010 World Championships in Istanbul. Spatola made the jump to sports media in 2012, working as a basketball analyst for ESPN. “Chris Spatola brought a unique perspective to ESPN’s college basketball coverage, shaped by his experiences as a student-athlete, military veteran, coach and broadcaster,” ESPN 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 deepest condolences to his loved ones during this difficult time.” Several friends and colleagues of Spatola took to social media to express their condolences, including former Duke player and ESPN basketball analyst Jay Bilas. “I am devastated by the passing of my friend and colleague Chris Spatola. Chris was a wonderful human being. Chris was a point guard at West Point, an Army combat veteran, and a man of great humility and unusually high character. A great family man who was devoted to his wife Jamie and his wonderful family. Chris was selfless… a fabulous colleague and a basketball expert. With Chris, it was never about him, it was just about the game, the players, the coaches and the fans. Heartbroken beyond belief beyond words to lose such a great friend, but grateful beyond words to have known him.” ESPN analyst Jay Bilas on the death of Chris Spatola
