North Carolina Basketball Icon Passes Away
I’ve written before how my youth was consumed with the game of basketball.ย 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.ย Growing up I was a HUGE North Carolina Tar Heel fan.ย 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.ย One, of course, he was a Tar Heel All-American who won a National Title in 1993.ย 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.ย He had begun cancer treatments in March.ย Montross played was a star for the Tarheels in the early 90’s, winning a national championship in 1993.ย ย 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.ย It is TRULY the plague of my lifetime.ย You can always judge a man by the way he’s remembered by those who knew and worked with him.ย A couple of tributes that show Eric Montross’ impact?
ESPN Analyst And Cancer Fighter Himself, Dick Vitale
CANCER is so VICIOUS -just took away one of the nicest guys I have ever met in my basketball journey with @espn Only 52 years old & a TERRIFIC person ex @UNC_Basketball star ERIC MONTROSS - pls God May he RIP! Absolutely heartbreaking! @UNCKirschner
— Dick Vitale (@DickieV) December 18, 2023
ESPN Analyst And Duke Basketball Legend, Jay Bilas
Heartbroken. Eric Montross was the nicest, kindest person one could ever know. A great player and champion, husband, father, friend, and a truly wonderful, beautiful soul. RIP Eric Montross. https://t.co/fUhw41rQpp
— Jay Bilas (@JayBilas) December 18, 2023
Voice Of The Tar Heels Wes Durham
Our family will be forever thankful for the long, warm friendship of Eric Montross & #HeyWoody. Ericโs kindness toward my Dad in the late years of his career and beyond meant so much. ๐๐ป to Laura and their family, but all we will miss this special, gentle man. pic.twitter.com/FjOHw5LZwm
— ๐๐๐ฌ ๐๐ฎ๐ซ๐ก๐๐ฆ (@WesDurham) December 18, 2023
A gentle giant gone way too soon.ย Rest in peace, Eric Montross.ย Thanks for all you gave to basketball, the Tar Heels, and your family.