Eric Montross in 1993.Photo:Peter Read Miller/Sports Illustrated via Getty
Peter Read Miller/Sports Illustrated via Getty
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.
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.
Eric Montross in 2002.Jesse Garrabrant/NBAE/Getty
Jesse Garrabrant/NBAE/Getty
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.
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.“
source: people.com
