Eric Montross, a former University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and NBA player, passed away at the age of 52 after battling cancer, as announced by his family. The school released the family’s statement on Monday morning, revealing that Montross died on Sunday in his Chapel Hill home, surrounded by loved ones. Diagnosed with cancer in March, Montross had stepped away from his role as a radio analyst for UNC game broadcasts.
The family’s announcement described Eric as a person whose friendship was synonymous with knowing him. It expressed the belief that the positive impact of his generous and thoughtful way of living would endure in the lives of those he touched with his deep and sincere kindness.
Montross played for the Tar Heels under Dean Smith from 1990-94, earning recognition as a two-time Associated Press second-team All-American. He was a crucial part of Smith’s NCAA championship team in 1993 and later became the No. 9 overall pick by the Boston Celtics in 1994, enjoying an NBA career until 2002.
In addition to his broadcast role, Montross worked as the senior major gifts director at the Rams Club, UNC’s athletics department’s fundraising arm. Known for his charitable efforts, he contributed to launching a father-child basketball camp for Father’s Day weekend to support the UNC Children’s Hospital.
The University acknowledged Montross not only as a great player and accomplished student but also as a man of faith, an exemplary father, husband, and son. He was recognized as one of the most prominent ambassadors of the University and Chapel Hill.
The family had previously disclosed Montross’s illness upon diagnosis but did not specify the nature of the cancer.
