Former UNC star Eric Montross, 52, dies of cancer
Dec 18, 2023, 09:30 AM ET
Previous North Carolina and NBA huge man Eric Montross, who began treatment for cancer in March, passed away Sunday at the age of 52, his family announced Monday.
“His household is grateful for the significant assistance and the truly frustrating love revealed by a lot of individuals as he coped his signature determination and grace,” his household said in a declaration released through the University of North Carolina.
“To know Eric was to be his pal, and the household knows that the ripples from the generous, thoughtful manner in which he lived his life will continue in the lives of the numerous people he touched with his deep and sincere kindness.”
His family said Montross passed away Sunday surrounded by liked ones at his Chapel Hill home.Montross bet
Hall of Popularity coach Dean Smith at UNC from 1990 to 1994, and he was the beginning center when the Tar Heels won the 1993 national championship. He was a first-team All-ACC selection that season, and he was a two-time Associated Press second-team All-American.” Carolina Athletics, the Tar Heel basketball household and the whole University community are exceptionally saddened and stunned by the loss of Eric Montross, among our most cherished former student-athletes, at far too young an age,”UNC stated in a declaration.” Eric was a great player and accomplished student, however the impacts he made on our neighborhood went method beyond the basketball court. He was a guy of faith, a remarkable dad, hubby and kid, and one of the most identifiable ambassadors of the University and Chapel Hill.”Montross was chosen ninth in the 1994 NBA draft by the Boston Celtics.
He also bet the Dallas Mavericks, the New Jersey Nets, Philadelphia 76ers, Detroit Pistons and Toronto Raptors during his eight-year NBA career.Since his playing career, he had actually worked as a radio expert for UNC game broadcasts for 18
seasons and worked as the senior major presents director for the Rams Club, the fundraising arm of UNC’s athletic department. He was also known for his charitable efforts, such as helping release a father-child basketball camp for Father’s Day weekend to support UNC Children’s Hospital.The Associated Press contributed to this report.