Spatola, ESPN college basketball analyst and former Army guard, dies at 47 — SkimNews
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- Chris Spatola died unexpectedly Monday at age 47, according to ESPN, which released a statement calling him "thoughtful, prepared and passionate about the sport."
- Spatola joined ESPN in 2015 and contributed analysis to game and studio college basketball productions.
- Spatola was a four-year starter at West Point, led Army in scoring three separate seasons, and ranks No. 10 all-time in program history with 1,543 career points.
- Spatola served on active duty from 2002 to 2007, deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, and earned the Joint Service Commendation Medal for exceptional combat performance and the Army Commendation Medal for outstanding leadership.
- Spatola served on the Duke staff under his father-in-law, Hall of Fame coach Mike Krzyzewski, from 2007 to 2012, helping the Blue Devils win the 2010 national title and four ACC tournament championships.
- Spatola also served as a court coach for U.S. national teams that won gold at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and the 2010 FIBA World Championship.
Why it matters: Spatola's death leaves a gap on ESPN's college basketball desk that will be hard to fill — he brought a rare blend of West Point playing experience, a Duke national championship under Coach K, and two Olympic/FIBA golds. ESPN will need to redistribute his game and studio analyst duties heading into the season.
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