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Eric Montross, North Carolina great, passes away at 52

Grant Bricker

By Grant Bricker

Published:

Eric Montross passed away at his home on Sunday as the North Carolina community mourned the loss of the former men’s basketball player.

Montross played in Chapel Hill during the early 90s. He averaged 11.7 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 0.6 assists during his career with the Tar Heels. Montross was selected by the Boston Celtics in the 1994 NBA Draft.

Montross, a native of Indianapolis and former Lawrence North Wildcat, won a state championship, was a McDonald’s All-American his senior year, and an Indiana All-Star, National Player of the Year, National Scholar-Athlete of the Year, and USA Today’s 1st Team All American. He is in the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame.

Montross played in the NBA from 1994 to 2002 for the Pistons, Celtics, Raptors, Mavericks, Nets and 76ers.

He was was diagnosed with cancer in March. He left a big mark on North Carolina basketball.

Here’s what North Carolina Athletics said about Montross in a press release:

“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. 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.

“We extend our deepest condolences to Laura, his children and entire family, and his colleagues and friends. The number of people who loved Eric and were touched by him is immeasurable.”

Grant Bricker

Grant Bricker covers the B1G for Saturday Tradition. His previous stops include the Williamson Homepage and Nashville Post.