Eric Montross was certainly a sight for sore eyes during the 90s for college basketball fanatics. Earlier in 2023, he announced that he was diagnosed with cancer. And unfortunately, he recently lost his battle with the horrible disease. Montross was well known in the basketball community and everybody loved being around him while he served as a play-by-play announcer for the Tar Heel Sports Network. He served as an announcer for 18 years before stepping away after being diagnosed.
Montross is most popularly known for his time in college. He played for the University of North Carolina, the same college Michael Jordan competed for. The Tar Heels were extremely successful during his stint between 1990 and 1994. He led the team to the NCAA Final Four bracket twice in four seasons. In 1993, he ultimately helped them through an NCAA Finals victory against Michigan led by none other than Chris Webber.
Eric Montross eventually declared for the 1994 NBA Draft. He was selected as the ninth overall pick by the Boston Celtics. However, during the few years that he spent in the league, he played for the Dallas Mavericks, New Jersey Nets, Detroit Pistons, Philadelphia 76ers, and Toronto Raptors. But the All-American will forever be remembered for the outstanding legacy he created with the Tar Heels.
Eric Montross was discreet about his struggle with cancer
Following the diagnosis, Eric Montross issued a statement that mentioned his departure from the Tar Heels announcing team. He said, “The outpouring of support from our Tar Heel family during this journey has been humbling. Thank you. I am fighting and will continue to fight every day. I will not be in person with you on the Tar Heel Sports Network this season… but know that even if you don’t see me I will be cheering on our Tar Heels during every single game.”
With heavy hearts we bring you this update from the family of Eric Montross.
Rest in peace Big E.
🔗: https://t.co/EgOjPTSh2B pic.twitter.com/V3TgxZDWPm
— Carolina Basketball (@UNC_Basketball) December 18, 2023
Unfortunately, despite being given treatment, he succumbed to the disease at the age of 52. UNC announced his death saying, “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.”
Their statement further read, “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,” according to the Bleacher Report.
Eric Montross was diagnosed with cancer in the spring and announced tonight that he will be sidelined from radio broadcasts this season.
In his honor, @UNC_Basketball presented a $25,000 check to @uncchildrens at tonight’s Live Action event 🩵🐏#GoHeels x #CarolinaFamily pic.twitter.com/YthCfNtLjO
— UNC Tar Heels (@GoHeels) October 14, 2023
Eric Montross received treatment at the UNC Lineberger Cancer Center. However, he never revealed the nature of his illness either. During the initial diagnosis, UNC raised funds and donated $25,000 to the UNC Children’s Hospital. Montross was a benefactor at the hospital for a long time.