To reflect on the year, Chapelboro.com is re-publishing some of the top stories that impacted and defined our community’s experience in 2023. These stories and topics affected Chapel Hill, Carrboro and the rest of our region.

UNC men’s basketball alumnus Eric Montross was notable around the Chapel Hill community not just for his stature – he stood at seven feet tall – but also for his kind heart. His fight against cancer this year led the community to rally around him and celebrate his contributions to Chapel Hill. When Montross died in December, it was a shock to all.

Eric Montross was known for many things. To some, he was the seven-foot standout who led the Carolina men’s basketball team to the 1993 NCAA title. To others, he was the radio analyst for the current batch of Tar Heels. And to still more, he was a benefactor of UNC Children’s Hospital through his annual Father’s Day Basketball Camp.

So when, in March, the Montross family announced Eric had been diagnosed with cancer, the news touched everyone in the community.

Montross immediately began treatment at UNC’s Lineberger Cancer Center.

“Our family is dealing with Eric’s diagnosis head-on – the only way we know how,” the Montross family’s statement read. “And we are all in this fight together.”

Support for Montross came pouring in from around the country. UNC football head coach Mack Brown, athletic director Bubba Cunningham and Basketball Hall of Famer George Karl (a Carolina alumnus) each offered messages to Montross. Jones Angell, Montross’ partner on the Tar Heel Sports Network, said Montross is “a million times better person than he was a basketball player, and he was an incredible basketball player.”

Even rivals such as Duke alumnus Jay Bilas expressed support for Montross. Bilas called Montross “one of the finest people you will ever meet.”

Throughout the summer, the UNC athletic department sold stickers and magnets with Montross’ No. 00 jersey and his nickname, “Big Grits.” Proceeds from the sales benefit the UNC Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) Cancer Program.

At the basketball program’s annual “Live Action” preseason celebration in October, Montross addressed the Smith Center crowd with a pre-recorded video message, in what would be his final public appearance.

“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… 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.”

To honor Montross, the men’s basketball team presented a $25,000 check to UNC Children’s Hospital.

To fill in for Montross on the radio, several other Tar Heels have stepped into his analyst role on radio broadcasts. Former stars such Joel Berry, Marcus Ginyard, Tyler Zeller and Pete Chilcutt can each be heard on the Tar Heel Sports Network with Angell.

Montross died at his Chapel Hill home on December 17, surrounded by his family. He was 52 years old.

“To know Eric was to be his friend,” read a statement from the Montross family, “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 news led to yet another outpouring of support, grief and memories of the Tar Heel great. To read some highlights from the UNC and basketball community, click here.

 

Featured image via UNC Athletic Communications

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