Deborah Walker
Dec 18, 2023 - 05:15

Former NBA player Eric Montross dies - family statement

Former North Carolina basketball star Eric Montross, who played in the NBA, has died at 52 after battling cancer.

Eric Montross, a basketball star from Indiana who played for the University of North Carolina and had a successful NBA career, has passed away at the age of 52. He was surrounded by loved ones at his home in Chapel Hill when he died after battling cancer since March 2023.

Montross, a McDonald's All-American, played for Lawrence North High School in Indianapolis before committing to UNC. Under the guidance of legendary coach Dean Smith, he helped lead the Tar Heels to an NCAA title in 1993.

After being drafted by the Boston Celtics as the ninth overall pick in the 1994 NBA Draft, Montross also played for the Dallas Mavericks, Nets, 76ers, Pistons, and Raptors before retiring from basketball. He then went on to work as a lead analyst for the Tar Heel Sports Network for 18 seasons and was inducted into the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame.

Carolina Athletics released a statement expressing their profound sadness and shock at Montross' passing, highlighting his impact on the community beyond the basketball court. They praised him as a man of faith, a dedicated family man, and a strong advocate for cancer research and scholarships for student-athletes.

The Lawrence Township Schools also released a statement mourning the loss of Montross and expressing their condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues.

Eric Montross will be remembered for his contributions to the basketball world and his larger impact on the community. His legacy will live on through the lives he touched and the work he did both on and off the court.