North Carolina Basketball Icon Passes Away

I've written before how my youth was consumed with the game of basketball.  I was lucky enough to have a really great high school career culminated by playing for a United States team that toured/played in Italy and Sicily.  Growing up I was a HUGE North Carolina Tar Heel fan.  A handwritten note from Coach Dean Smith when I was in 8th grade was one of the finest things I ever received.

So, yesterday's news of the passing of Eric Montross hurt in a couple of ways.  One, of course, he was a Tar Heel All-American who won a National Title in 1993.  Also, it reminds me of my own mortality as Montross and I are of similar "vintage."

Eric Montross has died at the age of 52 after a battle with cancer. His family says he died at his home in Chapel Hill, surrounded by loved ones.  He had begun cancer treatments in March.  Montross played was a star for the Tarheels in the early 90's, winning a national championship in 1993.   He was drafted 9th overall by the Celtics in 1994 and played eight NBA seasons before returning to UNC as a radio analyst. In a statement, UNC called him "one of the most recognizable ambassadors of the University and Chapel Hill."

Cancer is just a horrid disease.  It is TRULY the plague of my lifetime.  You can always judge a man by the way he's remembered by those who knew and worked with him.  A couple of tributes that show Eric Montross' impact?

A gentle giant gone way too soon.  Rest in peace, Eric Montross.  Thanks for all you gave to basketball, the Tar Heels, and your family.