Chris Spatola, son-in-law of former Duke coach Mike Kryzewski, dies at 47

DURHAM, N.C. (WNCN) — Chris Spatola, the son-in-law of legendary Duke men’s basketball coach Mike Kryzewski, has died, ESPN announced Tuesday.

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Spatola, 47, was a college basketball analyst at ESPN at the time of his death. The network described his passing as “unexpected”.

According to ESPN, Spatola played college basketball for the Army Black Knights at the United States Military Academy in West Point, New York. During his four years as a starter, he led the team in scoring and is 10th in points in school history.

Spatola served on active duty from 2002 to 2007 after graduating, according to ESPN.

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Following his military service, according to ESPN, Spatola served on his father-in-law’s staff at Duke from 2007 to 2012 and was part of the Blue Devils team that won the 2010 national championship.

The network said Spatola had served as a college basketball analyst for ESPN since 2015.

“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.”

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