UNC men’s basketball alumnus and radio analyst Eric Montross, who was diagnosed with cancer earlier this year, shared an update on his condition at Friday night’s “Live Action with Carolina Basketball” event in Chapel Hill.

In a pre-recorded video message, Montross told the audience he is in good spirits, but would not be able to join play-by-play announcer Jones Angell on the radio for the 2023-24 season.

“The outpouring of support from our Tar Heel family during this journey has been humbling. Thank you,” Montross said. “I am fighting and will continue to fight every day.”

To honor Montross, the UNC men’s basketball team presented a $25,000 check to UNC Children’s Hospital, of which Montross has long been a benefactor. His annual Father’s Day Basketball Camp raises funds for the hospital.

“I will not be in person with you on the Tar Heel Sports Network this season,” said Montross, “but know that even if you don’t see me – and I know I’m hard to miss – I will be cheering on our Tar Heels during every single game.”

In the wake of Montross’ initial announcement in March, support came flooding in from across Chapel Hill and the country. UNC men’s basketball alumnus and former NBA head coach George Karl, UNC football head coach Mack Brown and even former Duke Blue Devil star Jay Bilas were among those to post messages to Montross on social media.

A seven-footer from Indianapolis, Montross was named a McDonald’s All-American in high school before arriving in Chapel Hill at the start of the 1990-91 basketball season. Playing for head coach Dean Smith and for two seasons alongside current head coach Hubert Davis, Montross and the Tar Heels reached two Final Fours in his four seasons. After falling in the 1991 national semifinals, Carolina returned to the Final Four in 1993 and won the program’s fourth national championship. Montross led the way down low, scoring 16 points in the championship win against Michigan while battling with the Wolverines’ Chris Webber.

The 1993 season was Montross’ best as a Tar Heel, as he averaged a career-high 15.8 points per game and shot higher than 60 percent from the field. He was named first team All-ACC and second team All-America as a junior and earned first team Academic All-America status as a senior. He was selected ninth overall in the 1994 NBA Draft by the Boston Celtics and played eight NBA seasons.

 

Featured image via UNC Athletic Communications

Chapelboro.com does not charge subscription fees, and you can directly support our efforts in local journalism here. Want more of what you see on Chapelboro? Let us bring free local news and community information to you by signing up for our biweekly newsletter.

Related Stories
‹
Chansky's Notebook: In Others' Hands
Since his first year as UNC head coach, Hubert Davis has failed to meet the program’s lofty standards over the past four seasons.
The Signs Were There for a UNC Men's Basketball Collapse. Against VCU, It Finally Happened.
UNC's 2025-26 season came crashing down around it Thursday night in Greenville, as the Tar Heels blew a 19-point lead in the second half.
UNC Men's Basketball Left to Pick Up the Pieces Following Shattering NCAA Tournament Loss
The UNC locker room was quiet. Some players sat with their heads in their hands. Some had red and puffy eyes. Others simply sat with blank looks, seemingly unable to fully grasp what they had just seen. That goes for all of us. The Tar Heels let a 19-point lead with 15 minutes remaining slip […]
UNC Men's Basketball Blows 19-Point Lead, Falls to VCU in NCAA Tournament 1st Round
Despite leading 56-37 in the second half, UNC fell 82-78 to No. 11 seed VCU in overtime in the first round of the NCAA Tournament Thursday in Greenville. Carolina’s season is over. UNC had led for more than 34 minutes of game action, taking control after the Rams led 18-17 midway through the first half. […]
UNC Men's Basketball in the 2026 NCAA Tournament: How to Watch, Cord-Cutting Options and Tip-Off Times
UNC will begin its NCAA Tournament journey Thursday in Greenville, S.C. when it faces No. 11 seed VCU in the first round. It will be the first ever meeting between the Tar Heels and Rams in men’s basketball. If you aren’t going to Greenville with the team, here’s how you can follow along at home: […]
UNC Men's Basketball NCAA Tournament Opponent Breakdown: VCU
No. 6 seed UNC will begin its NCAA Tournament journey Thursday in Greenville, S.C. when it faces No. 11 seed VCU in the first round. The Rams enter the field with a 27-7 overall record and 15-3 mark in the Atlantic 10. They defeated Duquesne, St. Joseph’s and Dayton to win their second consecutive Atlantic […]
Chansky's Notebook: Recalibrating
If Hubert Davis is to be believed, UNC is recapturing its toughness at the right time as the NCAA Tournament looms.
Chansky's Notebook: Back to Greenville
UNC’s late-season slide may have lucked it into a shorter road trip, as the Tar Heels traveled to Greenville yesterday.
UNC's Caleb Wilson Named AP Second Team All-American
The honors keep rolling in for Caleb Wilson. The UNC star freshman was named a second team All-American by the Associated Press Tuesday. With that recognition, Wilson will have his No. 8 jersey honored in the rafters of the Dean Smith Center. Another jersey in the rafters 🙌@CalebWilson2025 has been named @AP Second Team All-American. […]
UNC Men's Basketball Receives No. 6 Seed in NCAA Tournament, Will Face No. 11 VCU in Greenville
The Tar Heels are dancing. Carolina received a No. 6 seed in the NCAA Tournament’s South Region Sunday evening. The Tar Heels will play No. 11 seed VCU in the tournament’s first round Thursday in Greenville, S.C. The winner of the UNC vs. VCU game will play the winner of No. 3 seed Illinois and […]
›