Spanarkel was also team captain in his junior and senior years, and was announced NCAA's East Regional Most Outstanding Player in 1978.

[3] He graduated from university in 1979, and during the summer of 1980, he studied for and obtained a real estate broker's license.

[5] Spanarkel worked 30 years as Nets television analyst (currently on the YES Network), both with Ian Eagle courtside as a color commentator and more recently as a studio host during pre and post-game.

He has also been chief commentator for the Travers Cups and various member guest tournaments at Upper Montclair.

Spanarkel is married to Janet, and the couple has four children, James, Bridget, Stephanie, and Andrew.