ESPN college basketball analyst Chris Spatola, a former Army standout and decorated military veteran who later joined Duke’s coaching staff, has died at 47.
ESPN and Duke announced Spatola’s death Monday. No cause of death was disclosed.
Spatola had been part of ESPN’s college basketball coverage since 2015, appearing as an analyst for both game broadcasts and studio programming. He also contributed to SiriusXM.
“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,” 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 heartfelt condolences to his loved ones during this difficult time.”
Before becoming a familiar voice to college basketball fans, Spatola built an impressive career on and off the court.
He was a four-year starter at West Point and led Army in scoring for three seasons. Spatola finished his playing career with 1,543 points, ranking him among the program’s all-time leading scorers.
Following his graduation from Army, Spatola served on active duty from 2002 to 2007 and deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
His military service earned him the Joint Service Commendation Medal for exceptional combat performance and the Army Commendation Medal for outstanding leadership.
POLL: Should Immigrants Be Required To Speak English?
Spatola later returned to basketball and joined Duke’s staff, serving as an assistant from 2007 to 2012 under legendary coach Mike Krzyzewski.
He was part of the Blue Devils staff when Duke captured the 2010 NCAA championship and also helped during a stretch in which the program won four ACC tournament titles.
Spatola’s relationship with the Krzyzewski family extended beyond basketball. He was married to Krzyzewski’s daughter, Jamie, and the couple had three children.
He also worked with U.S. national basketball teams, serving as a court coach for squads that won gold medals at the 2008 Olympics and the 2010 FIBA World Championship.
After leaving Duke, Spatola moved into broadcasting and eventually became a prominent voice across ESPN‘s college basketball coverage.
Duke remembered Spatola not only for his time with the basketball program, but also for his military service and devotion to his family.
“There are no words to adequately express our heartbreak over the loss of our beloved Chris Spatola,” Duke said in a statement. “Chris served our country, was a devoted husband and father, and was such an important part of our family.”
Spatola’s death leaves the college basketball community mourning a broadcaster whose career stretched from West Point and military service to Duke’s championship bench and national television.
POLL: Should Foreigners Be Banned From Buying American Farmland?
Continue reading...
[ H/T Trending Politics ]
