CHAPEL HILL, North Carolina, USA (AP) — Eric Montross, who starred for North Carolina and in the NBA, died at age 52 after a battle with cancer, his family said.
The university issued the family announcement Monday morning, stating that Montross died Sunday surrounded by loved ones at his home in Chapel Hill. He was diagnosed with cancer in March, prompting him to leave his position as a radio analyst on UNC game broadcasts.
“Knowing Eric meant that you would be his friend, and the family knows that the repercussions of the generous and thoughtful way he lived his life will continue to be present in the lives of many people he touched with his deep and sincere kindness,” the advertisement.
Montross played for the Tar Heels under Dean Smith from 1990 to 1994 and was twice named second-team All-American by The Associated Press. He was a starter in the second NCAA championship in 1993 before being selected ninth overall in the NBA draft a year later by the Boston Celtics and played in the NBA until 2002.
In addition to his responsibilities as a broadcast analyst, he worked as senior director of major gifts at the Rams Club, the fundraising arm of the UNC athletics department. He was also known for his charitable efforts, such as helping launch a father-son basketball camp over Father’s Day weekend to support UNC Children’s Hospital.
“Eric was a great player and an outstanding student, but the impact he had on our community went beyond the court,” the university published in its statement. “He was a man of faith, a tremendous father, father and son and one of the most recognized ambassadors of the University and Chapel Hill.”
The family reported Montross’ illness when he was diagnosed, but did not specify the nature of the cancer.
2023-12-18 16:38:53
#Eric #Montross #starred #North #Carolina #NBA #dies #battle #cancer
