College basketball analyst and former Duke coach's son-in-law Chris Spatola dies at 47

Chris Spatola, a former assistant coach for Duke University’s men’s basketball team and later an ESPN analyst, died at age 47, the university confirmed. The Krzyzewski family released a statement expressing grief and requesting privacy for Spatola’s wife, Jamie, and their three children.

Spatola played college basketball at the United States Military Academy from 1998 to 2002, then served five years in the Army as a battery commander and executive officer. He returned to Duke as an assistant coach from 2007 to 2012 and also held the role of director of basketball operations. During that period, he worked with USA Basketball, serving as a court coach for the U.S. men’s national team that won gold at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and the 2010 World Championships.

After leaving coaching, Spatola joined ESPN in 2012 as a college basketball analyst. In a statement, ESPN said he "brought a unique perspective to coverage, shaped by his experiences as a student-athlete, Army veteran, coach and broadcaster," and described him as thoughtful, prepared, and passionate about the sport.

Former Duke player and ESPN analyst Jay Bilas was among several colleagues who posted condolences on social media.

"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." — Krzyzewski family statement