Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Eric Montross, a Tar Heel basketball hero, passed away at 52 years old on Sunday, according to his family.
Montross was surrounded by loved ones at his Chapel Hill home. His family stated that he was diagnosed with cancer in March.
Montross played for Dean Smith from 1990 until 1994. He was also teammates with current UNC head coach Hubert Davis during his freshman and sophomore years. In 1993, Montross helped the Tar Heels win the NCAA championship.
Montross was picked in the first round by the Boston Celtics and played nine seasons in the National Basketball Association. He spent 18 seasons as an analyst for Tar Heel Sports Network before retiring this season.
According to Carolina Athletics, Montross’ family expressed gratitude for the community’s outpouring of love and support during his cancer treatment. The family also appreciated the medical community, particularly the staff at UNC Lineberger Cancer Centre.
Carolina Athletics released the following statement
“Carolina Athletics, the Tar Heel basketball family, and the whole University community are deeply grieved and stunned by the passing of Eric Montross, one of our most cherished former student-athletes, at such a young age. Eric was an excellent basketball player and student, but his impact on our community extended far beyond the floor. He was a man of faith, a wonderful parent, husband, and son, and one of the most visible representatives of the University and Chapel Hill.
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