UNC Basketball Legend Eric Montross Loses Battle With Cancer at Age 52
The 1993 national champion had been battling cancer since March.
Eric Montross passed away Sunday, surrounded by family in his home in Chapel Hill, his family announced. The North Carolina basketball great was diagnosed with cancer in March 2023 and had undergone treatment at UNC Lineberger Cancer Center. He was 52.
"Carolina Athletics, the Tar Heel basketball family and the entire University community are profoundly saddened and stunned by the loss of Eric Montross, one of our most beloved former student-athletes, at far too young an age," the university released in a statement. "Eric was a great player and accomplished student, but the impacts he made on our community went way beyond the basketball court. He was a man of faith, a tremendous father, husband and son, and one of the most recognizable ambassadors of the University and Chapel Hill.
"He helped the Rams Club secure scholarships for student-athletes, and as color analyst for the Tar Heel Sports Network he brought perspective, heart and humor to UNC fans near and far. Eric also became an ardent supporter of the Lineberger Center while in college and remained a leader in the fight against cancer throughout his life. We extend our deepest condolences to Laura, his children and entire family, and his colleagues and friends. The number of people who loved Eric and were touched by him is immeasurable."
Montross's wife Laura and children Sarah, Andrew, and Megan expressed gratitude for the support received from fans and the medical community. They ask for privacy during this difficult period.
Montross etched his name into Tar Heel lore as a junior in 1992-93, when he earned first-team All-ACC recognition during UNC's run to its second and final national championship under Dean Smith.
One of the best UNC centers of all time, he averaged 15.8 points and 7.6 rebounds in 1992-93, when UNC went 34-4 and won its third NCAA Championship. The Indianapolis, Ind., native scored 23 points in the Final Four against Kansas and 16 versus Michigan in the title game in New Orleans. He was also part of teams that won two ACC Tournament titles (1991, 1994) and shares the UNC record for playing in the most ACC Tournament wins (10).
Montross also excelled in the classroom, earning first-team Academic All-America honors in 1994 and two Academic All-ACC selections. He finished his collegiate career (1990-94) with 1,627 points (11.7 per game), 941 rebounds (6.8), and 169 blocked shots (1.2).
Following graduation, the Boston Celtics selected Montross with the No. 9 overall pick in the NBA Draft. He played nine seasons in the NBA. He finished his career with averages of 4.5 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 0.6 blocks per game.
Montross endowed a scholarship last year for the center position at UNC. He was a senior major gifts director at the Rams Club and had finished his 18th season as an analyst on the Tar Heel Sports Network before his diagnosis.
