Eric Montross, a former UNC and Toronto Raptors big man, dies at 52 after cancer fight

From left, North Carolina's Eric Montross, Donald Williams and Pat Sullivan smile as they hold hands and sit out the last seconds of their overtime victory against Cincinnati at the NCAA East Regional Final in the Meadowlands Arena on March 28, 1993 in East Rutherford, N.J. Montross, the former North Carolina and NBA big man, has died after a cancer fight, his family said. He was 52. The school released the family's announcement Monday morning, Dec. 18, 2023 saying Montross died Sunday surrounded by loved ones at his Chapel Hill home. He had been diagnosed with cancer in March, leading to him stepping away from his duties as a radio analyst for UNC game broadcasts. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast, file)

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. -

Eric Montross, a former North Carolina and Toronto Raptors big man, has died after a cancer fight, his family said. He was 52.

The school released the family's announcement Monday morning, saying Montross died Sunday surrounded by loved ones at his Chapel Hill home. He had been diagnosed with cancer in March, leading to him stepping away from his duties as a radio analyst for UNC game broadcasts.

“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 announcement said.

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Montross played for the Tar Heels under Dean Smith from 1990-94 and was a two-time Associated Press second-team All-American. He started on Smith's second NCAA championship team in 1993 before being the No. 9 overall pick by the Boston Celtics a year later and playing in the NBA until 2002. Montross also spent parts of two seasons with the Raptors before retiring in 2003.

The Raptors shared on social media how saddened the organization is by Montross' death. 

"We are grateful for his contributions to the game and to our team, and offer our sincerest condolences to his family, friends, colleagues and teammates," the statement reads. 

 

 

 

 

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In addition to his broadcast duties, he worked as senior major gifts director at the Rams Club, the fundraising arm of UNC's athletics department. He was also known for charitable efforts, such as helping launch a father-child basketball camp for Father's Day weekend to support the UNC Children's Hospital.

“Eric was a great player and accomplished student, but the impacts he made on our community went way beyond the basketball court," the school said in its own statement. "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.”

The family announced Montross' illness when he was diagnosed, but didn't specify the nature of the cancer.

With files from CTV News Toronto