A 52-year-old former big player for the Toronto Raptors and UNC passes away from cancer
March 28, 1993, in East Rutherford, New Jersey—Eric Montross, Donald Williams, and Pat Sullivan of North Carolina, from left, smile as they hold hands and watch the last seconds of their overtime triumph against Cincinnati at the NCAA East Regional last in the Meadowlands Arena. The NBA big man and former North Carolina player N.J. Montross passed away following a battle with cancer, according to his family. 52 was his age. On Monday, Dec. 18, 2023, the school made public the news made by the family, stating that Montross passed away on Sunday at his Chapel Hill home while surrounded by his loved ones. After receiving a cancer diagnosis in March, he resigned from his position as radio analyst for UNC football broadcasts. (Charles Rex Arbogast, file/AP Photo)
Chapel Hill, North Carolina – Former big man with the Toronto Raptors and North Carolina, Eric Montross, passed away following a battle with cancer, according to his family. 52 was his age.
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.
Being friends with Eric was an honour, and his family is aware that his kind and considerate life will continue to have an impact on the lives of countless others who he touched with his genuine goodness and profundity of kindness,” the statement read.
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. Before retiring in 2003, Montross also played for the Raptors for a portion of two seasons.
On social media, the Raptors expressed their sorrow at Montross’ passing (opens in a new tab).
“We are grateful for his contributions to the game and to our team, and offer our sincerest condolences to his family, friends, colleagues and teammates,” the statement continues.
He was employed by UNC Athletics’ fundraising arm, the Rams Club, as senior major gifts director in addition to his broadcast responsibilities. He was also well-known for his altruistic endeavours, including organising a basketball camp for dads and kids on Father’s Day weekend to benefit the UNC Children’s Hospital.
The school released a statement saying, “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 devout individual, an amazing spouse, father, and son, and among the most well-known representatives of the University and Chapel Hill.”
When Montross was diagnosed, his family made an announcement about his condition, but they did not disclose the type of cancer.
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Former Celtic Eric Montross passed away at age 52 following a cancer struggle.
Boston – After battling cancer for nine seasons, Eric Montross, who played nine seasons in the NBA and won an NCAA championship with North Carolina, passed away. Montross had 52 years old.
During his junior and senior seasons, Montross was named an All-American, and he won an NCAA championship with the Tar Heels in 1993. In 1994, he made his NBA debut after being selected ninth overall by the Boston Celtics.
With 78 games played, including 75 starts, with an average of 10.0 points and 7.3 rebounds, the 7-foot centre had a strong debut campaign for Boston. However, he declined in his second campaign, and following it, he was traded to the Dallas Mavericks.
Before retiring in 2003, Montross played for the Mavericks, the New Jersey Nets, the Philadelphia 76ers, the Detroit Pistons, and the Toronto Raptors. He never was able to return to the level of play he had during his rookie season. Over 465 career games, he averaged 4.5 points and 4.6 rebounds.
The Montross family revealed the news of his departure on Monday, having previously revealed in March that he had cancer.
The announcement has been made by Eric Montross’s family (Laura, Sarah, Andrew, and Megan) that he passed away on Sunday, December 17, at his Chapel Hill home, surrounded by those he loved. After learning of Eric’s cancer diagnosis in March 2023, the family made a statement through UNC expressing their gratitude for all of the amazing love and support that Eric received while he fought with characteristic grace and resolve.
They also express gratitude to the numerous medical professionals who fought for him with the same fervour, especially those at UNC Lineberger Cancer Centre. The family is aware that the numerous lives he touched with his profound and genuine generosity will continue to be impacted by the generous, considerate manner he lived his life. To know Eric was to be his friend.”
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