Former college and professional basketball player Eric Montross passed away over the weekend after a 9-month battle with cancer, as announced by his family on Monday.
Montross, who rose to prominence during his basketball career at the University of North Carolina (UNC), succumbed to the illness at the age of 52 at his home in Chapel Hill, surrounded by loved ones.
Ex-College Basketball And NBA Star Eric Montross Dead At 52 https://t.co/HVSG51FsaP
— HuffPost (@HuffPost) December 18, 2023
A statement released by the university reflected on Montross's impactful life, emphasizing his generous and thoughtful nature. The family acknowledged that the ripples from his kindness would continue to touch the lives of those he had connected with over the years.
Montross, known for his time in the NBA, played for the Boston Celtics, Dallas Mavericks, New Jersey Nets, Philadelphia 76ers, Detroit Pistons, and Toronto Raptors during his eight-season professional career. His retirement in 2003 was prompted by a foot injury.
Montross's college legacy at UNC is particularly noteworthy. He earned All-American honors in his junior and senior seasons, leading the Tar Heels to national championships in 1993 and 1994.
Over his four seasons at UNC, Montross started 105 games and maintained an average of 11.7 points per game.
Following his playing career, Montross transitioned to a role as an analyst for the Tar Heel Sports Network, serving for 18 seasons before stepping away in the current year.
In a 2010 post-game interview, he expressed gratitude for the opportunity to be associated with the program again, reflecting on the joy and success he experienced during his time at UNC.
The family revealed Montross's cancer diagnosis in March, and he underwent treatment at the UNC Lineberger Cancer Center.
During this challenging period, Montross received overwhelming support from friends and well-wishers, with the family expressing appreciation for the encouragement in their statement.
Playing under renowned coach Dean Smith at UNC, Montross became part of a basketball legacy that extended beyond the court.
In the wake of Montross's passing, the basketball community, UNC supporters, and fans across the nation mourn the loss of a talented athlete, an insightful commentator, and a figure who advocated for positive change beyond the court.
Eric Montross' legacy is woven into the fabric of basketball history, a legacy that extends beyond the scores and statistics, impacting fans in his college home of North Carolina and beyond following the news of the loss of the legendary athlete.
