Former North Carolina and Toronto Raptors player, Eric Montross, has passed away at the age of 52 following a courageous battle with cancer, as confirmed by his family. The sad news was shared by the university, revealing that Montross peacefully departed, surrounded by loved ones at his Chapel Hill residence. His cancer diagnosis in March led him to step back from his role as a radio analyst for UNC game broadcasts.
In a statement, the family expressed, “To know Eric was to be his friend, and the family believes that the positive impact of his generous and thoughtful way of living will endure in the lives of the many people he touched with his profound and sincere kindness.”
Montross, who played for the Tar Heels under Dean Smith from 1990-94, earned distinction as a two-time Associated Press second-team All-American. He played a key role in securing the NCAA championship for the Tar Heels in 1993 before being selected as the No. 9 overall pick by the Boston Celtics a year later. His NBA career spanned until 2002, encompassing stints with six teams, including the Toronto Raptors, where he played 61 games during the 2000-01 and 2001-02 seasons.
Current UNC coach Hubert Davis, who shared the court with Montross for two seasons, expressed his sorrow, stating, “I am devastated. Eric was my friend. He was my teammate. Eric loved being a husband. He loved being a dad. He loved being a Tar Heel and he loved Carolina basketball. I miss him.”
In addition to his contributions as a radio analyst, Montross served as the senior major gifts director at the Rams Club, the fundraising arm of UNC’s athletics department. He was also recognized for his philanthropic efforts, including the initiation of a father-child basketball camp for Father’s Day weekend to support the UNC Children’s Hospital.
Reflecting on Montross’ broader impact, the university noted, “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.”
While Montross and his family had announced his illness upon diagnosis in March, they did not disclose the specific nature of the cancer.
SUPPORT NIGERIAN CANADIAN NEWS
If you like our work and want to keep enjoying what we offer, kindly support us by donating to the Nigerian Canadian News through the button below
Share your thoughts in the comments section below
Do you want to share any news or information with us? If yes, contact the publisher at publisher@test1.nascitest.club
