Former NBA Star Eric Montross Dead At 52: What Caused It?

Former NBA big player and North Carolina star Eric Montross passed away following a battle with cancer, according to his family. 52 was his age.

Former NBA Star Eric Montross Dead At 52: What Caused It?

The type of the cancer was never disclosed to the public, but in March 2023 he was officially diagnosed with the illness. In North Carolina, he was receiving treatment at the UNC Lineberger Cancer Center.

His wife Laura, daughters Megan and Sarah, and son Andrew survive him.

The family’s statement, which the school made public on Monday morning, stated that Montross passed away on Sunday at his Chapel Hill home while surrounded by loved ones. After receiving a cancer diagnosis in March, he resigned from his position as radio analyst for UNC football broadcasts.

“To know Eric was to be his friend, and the family knows that the ripples from the generous, thoughtful way that he lived his life will continue in the lives of the many people he touched with his deep and sincere kindness,” read the release.

The basketball player, who assisted the Tar Heels in winning a national championship in 1993, received tributes from supporters, former teammates, family members, and friends from all around the world.

“I am deeply saddened by the loss of my good friend and Tar Heel legend Eric Montross,” North Carolina chancellor Kevin Guskiewicz said in a statement. “He was an incredible friend, a passionate leader and an inspiring advocate for our campus.”

From 1990 to 1994, Montross was a member of Dean Smith’s Tar Heels and was selected twice for the Associated Press second team All-America. He began playing for Smith’s second NCAA title team in 1993. A year later, he was selected by the Boston Celtics with the ninth overall choice, and he played in the NBA until 2002.

During his first two seasons, Montross was also a teammate of Hubert Davis, the current coach of Carolina. For almost half of the 1992–93 season, the Tar Heels held the top five spots in the AP Top 25, never dropping lower No. 8. In addition to being the team’s top scorer with an average of 17.5 points and 7.6 rebounds, Montross was also perhaps its most dependable player.

In the 1993 Final Four, he averaged 19.5 points in UNC’s  wins over Kansas and Michigan. He was named a consensus second team All-American — then earned the honor again when he returned for his senior year.

The Celtics selected him with the ninth overall choice in the 1994 NBA Draft. Before retiring in 2003, Montross played for a number of NBA clubs, including the Boston Celtics, Dallas Mavericks, New Jersey Nets, Philadelphia 76ers, and Pistons.

He has continued to remain active in the sport that shaped his career after retiring by working in broadcasting and philanthropy.

Montross visited cancer patients on a regular basis and helped collect money for children’s cancer research. He also routinely accompanied UNC teammates on uplifting hospital visits.

Following the announcement of Montross’s passing, the sports community showered tributes and sympathies.

Former teammate Derrick Phelps, who was on the 1993 NCAA Title team with Montross, posted on social media: “This news really hurts! RIP Big Fella! Love you my center!!”

 

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