Eric Montross, 52, passes away from cancer

Eric Montross passed away on December 17 in his Chapel Hill home, surrounded by his loved ones, according to his family, which includes Laura, Sarah, Andrew, and Megan. After learning of Montross's cancer diagnosis in March, his family is thankful for all of the outpouring love and support that they have received. Montross fought with his characteristic elegance and tenacity.

They also express gratitude to the numerous medical professionals who fought for him with the same fervour, especially those at UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Centre. Being friends with Montross meant knowing him, and his family is aware that his profound and genuine goodness touched many lives, leaving a legacy of generosity and thoughtfulness that will live on.

The family requests privacy during this trying time.

From 1990 to 1994, Montross was a member of the Tar Heels under head coach Dean Smith. He was a teammate of current Carolina head coach Hubert Davis during his freshman and sophomore seasons. When the Tar Heels won the NCAA title in 1993, he was the starting centre.

In addition to being selected to the John Wooden All-America team as a senior, he was named to the first team of the ACC in 1993. He also won all-tournament honours in the NCAA East Region and Final Four while helping Carolina to the 1993 national championship.

Eric played nine NBA seasons after the Boston Celtics selected him in the first round of the draft. Before giving up the mic this season, he worked as an analyst for the Tar Heel Sports Network for eighteen seasons. He was the Rams Club's senior large gifts director as well.

Carolina Sports official statement

"The passing of Eric Montross, one of our most cherished former student-athletes, at an untimely age, has left Carolina Athletics, the Tar Heel basketball family, and the whole University community deeply devastated and shocked. Although Eric was a superb basketball player and scholar, his contributions to our community extended well beyond the floor. In addition to being one of the most well-known representatives of the University and Chapel Hill, he was a devout guy and an amazing husband, father, and son.

"As colour analyst for the Tar Heel Sports Network, he provided perspective, empathy, and humour to UNC supporters both locally and internationally. He also assisted the Rams Club in obtaining scholarships for student-athletes. During his time in college, Eric also developed a strong affinity for the Lineberger Centre and went on to play a significant role in the fight against cancer for the rest of his life.

"We send our sincere sympathies to Laura, his kids and their whole family, as well as his friends and coworkers. There are incalculably many people who adored and were impacted by Eric.