Eric Montross, Retired NBA Star and UNC Basketball Legend, Dead at 52

The former NBA star died of cancer

Eric Montross, a retired NBA star who won a national championship at University of North Carolina under coach Dean Smith, has died. He was 52.

The Indiana native, who was diagnosed with cancer in March, died on Sunday in Chapel Hill, his family said in a statement released by UNC. The university added, "His family is grateful for the tremendous support and the truly overwhelming love expressed by so many people as he battled with his signature determination and grace."

A 7-foot center who played nine seasons in the NBA, Montross was a first-round draft pick by the Boston Celtics before going on to join the Dallas Mavericks, Toronto Raptors and Philadelphia 76ers.

He previously played for the North Carolina Tar Heels from 1990 to 1994. During his time on the team, he started for the 1993 NCAA national championship lineup. Montross was also a teammate of current UNC head coach Hubert Davis.

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For 18 seasons until this year, the husband and father of three was a radio analyst on the Tar Heel Sports Network, where he called games near where his No. 00 jersey hangs in the Smith Center’s rafters.

Those who knew Montross on and off the court offered tributes to the beloved former athlete.

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

Guskiewicz continued, “His impact extended well beyond the court with his tireless support of the UNC Children's Hospital and his annual Father's Day basketball camp. We have lost a great Tar Heel, and Eric will be truly missed.”

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“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,” the university shared in a statement.

Montross’ family said thanked “the many members of the medical community—and particularly those at UNC Lineberger Cancer Center—who matched his fight with equal passion.“

The added, “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.“

Montross is survived by his wife, Laura, daughters Sarah and Megan and son Andrew, and other family members including sister Christine Montross.

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