Eric Montross, former UNC basketball star and NBA player, dies of cancer at 52

The early 1990s UNC basketball standout Eric Montross, who played in the NBA for over a decade, died of cancer aged 52. It was announced Monday by his family.

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Eric Montross' family (Laura, Sarah, Andrew, and Megan) announced his death on Sunday, December 17, surrounded by loved ones at his Chapel Hill home "UNC Basketball released a statement from the family.

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Eric's family is appreciative for the incredible support and overwhelming love shown by so many people as he battled illness with his hallmark determination and grace in March 2023.

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Montross was a prominent UNC player from 1990 to 1994. Dean Smith's 1993 NCAA championship squad beat Michigan's Fab Five with him at center. The following year, Montross was first-team All-ACC and Final Four all-tournament.

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In 1994, the Celtics drafted Montross ninth overall, starting his nine-year NBA career. Despite playing for six clubs, he spent nearly four seasons with the Detroit Pistons. Foot injury forced his 2003 retirement.

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Montross called UNC men's basketball games as a color commentator for the Tar Heels Sports Network from 2005 until his March 2023 cancer diagnosis.

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I'm heartbroken. Eric Montross was the nicest, kindest person I've ever met, ESPN college basketball commentator and friend Jay Bilas said on X. He was a brilliant player, champion, husband, parent, friend, and a fantastic, beautiful spirit

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In a Monday morning statement, UNC Athletics mirrored Bilas.

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Carolina Athletics, the Tar Heel basketball family, and the University community are devastated by the premature death of Eric Montross, one of our most cherished former student-athletes.

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Although Eric was a brilliant player and student, his impact on our community stretched beyond basketball. He was a devout parent, husband, and son and one of Chapel Hill's most famous ambassadors.

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Eric Montross, former UNC basketball star and NBA player, dies of cancer at 52

The early 1990s UNC basketball standout Eric Montross, who played in the NBA for over a decade, died of cancer aged 52. It was announced Monday by his family.

Eric Montross' family (Laura, Sarah, Andrew, and Megan) announced his death on Sunday, December 17, surrounded by loved ones at his Chapel Hill home "UNC Basketball released a statement from the family.

Eric's family is appreciative for the incredible support and overwhelming love shown by so many people as he battled illness with his hallmark determination and grace in March 2023.

Montross was a prominent UNC player from 1990 to 1994. Dean Smith's 1993 NCAA championship squad beat Michigan's Fab Five with him at center. The following year, Montross was first-team All-ACC and Final Four all-tournament.

In 1994, the Celtics drafted Montross ninth overall, starting his nine-year NBA career. Despite playing for six clubs, he spent nearly four seasons with the Detroit Pistons. Foot injury forced his 2003 retirement.

Montross called UNC men's basketball games as a color commentator for the Tar Heels Sports Network from 2005 until his March 2023 cancer diagnosis.

I'm heartbroken. Eric Montross was the nicest, kindest person I've ever met, ESPN college basketball commentator and friend Jay Bilas said on X. He was a brilliant player, champion, husband, parent, friend, and a fantastic, beautiful spirit

In a Monday morning statement, UNC Athletics mirrored Bilas.

Carolina Athletics, the Tar Heel basketball family, and the University community are devastated by the premature death of Eric Montross, one of our most cherished former student-athletes.

Although Eric was a brilliant player and student, his impact on our community stretched beyond basketball. He was a devout parent, husband, and son and one of Chapel Hill's most famous ambassadors.

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