FAYETTEVILLE -- Legendary basketball coach Jeff Capel Jr. has died after battling ALS.           

Capel was the former Fayetteville State University basketball coach who later went on to coach in the NBA. 

Capel's son, Jeff Capel III is the associate head coach for the Duke men's basketball team. He also played for Duke.

Capel's son, Jason, played for the UNC basketball team and was also the head coach at Appalachian State.

In January, it was announced that the elder Capel was battling ALS -- the nervous system disease that weakens muscles and impacts physical function.

Many people are reacting to the death of Coach Capel.

The chancellor of FSU released a statement: “The Fayetteville State University family is saddened by the passing of one of its most respected alumni and former coaches. Coach Capel and his family are held in high regard by FSU, its alumni and supporters and he will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with his parents, wife, children, and family members.”

N.C. Central Basketball Coach Levelle Moton took to Instagram to say: “Didn't have a pop growing up, but this man was the paradigm. I naturally gravitated towards him every chance i could, to quench a thirst for knowledge. The best advice he ever gave to me as a coach was to ‘only surround yourself with people that you trust!’ Thank you Coach Capel for being you." 

Capel was also the former assistant coach for the Charlotte Hornets.

He was a native of Southern Pines. He was 64 years old.