College basketball analyst Chris Spatola, coach K's son-in-law, dies aged 47

Chris Spatola, a college basketball TV analyst who was associated with ESPN, died at age 47 on Tuesday, September 22, 2026.

The network announced the death of their inhouse analyst, stating, “Chrish Spatola brought a unique perspective to ESPN’s college basketball coverage, shaped by his experience as a student-athlete, Army veteran, coach and broadcaster.”

Spatola had played as a starting guard for the Army Black Knights for four years from 1998 to 2002, before opting for a career in broadcasting.

He went on to become an assistant coach at Duke, where he worked under Hall of Fame coach Mike Krzyzewski from 2007 through 2012.

He was also the son-in-law of former Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski.

Spatola also served as director of basketball operations during his stay at Durham.

After he took retirement from basketball, Spatola joined the US Army, serving as a battery commander and an executive officer for five years.

Spatola also worked with USA Basketball under Krzyzewski, serving as a court coach for the U.S. Men’s National Team that won gold in the 2008 Olympics in Beijing and the 2010 World Championships in Istanbul.