Figures From Around UNC Athletics Offer Support to Eric Montross

After former UNC men’s basketball All-American and current radio analyst Eric Montross announced his cancer diagnosis on Saturday, support flooded in from UNC figures past and present.

Carolina football head coach Mack Brown, whose first tenure with the Tar Heels overlapped with Montross’ four-year Carolina playing career, offered a message of encouragement.

Hate to hear this but we know Eric and his family will take this head on. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Montross family. 🙏💙🙏 https://t.co/NILI0wP1Ew

— Mack Brown (@CoachMackBrown) March 26, 2023

UNC athletic director Bubba Cunningham expressed his support.

All the best to Eric at this time. We’re fighting with you https://t.co/BLVu2Tg1jw

— Bubba Cunningham (@BubbaUNC) March 25, 2023

Former Tar Heel and Basketball Hall of Famer George Karl, who himself has battled cancer in the past, sent a message as well.

Rooting for you Eric. Despise the word cancer

— George Karl (@CoachKarl22) March 26, 2023

Adam Lucas, a columnist on GoHeels.com who frequently works with Montross and UNC play-by-play commentator Jones Angell, described Montross’ kind nature and support for others in their battles with cancer. The Montross family has long been a benefactor of UNC Children’s Hospital.

Countless families can say Eric Montross supported them as they battled cancer. It goes all the way back to when he was a player for @UNC_Basketball. So many hugs, handshakes, @uncchildrens visits without any publicity.

Not just one of the best Tar Heels. One of the best people. https://t.co/69yjLLLZPW

— Adam Lucas (@jadamlucas) March 26, 2023

Angell, who has worked with Montross for more than a decade, expressed admiration for his partner.

When I was growing up Eric was my favorite player on my favorite team. The last 15 years I’ve been honored to work with him & have learned he is a better person than he was player (and he was a great player)

Our thoughts are with Eric & his family…they will not fight this alone https://t.co/aoT69Q39u7

— Jones Angell (@JonesAngell) March 25, 2023

Finally, former Duke player and current ESPN analyst Jay Bilas offered his own support. Bilas and Montross never played against each other in college basketball, but are still connected by the Duke-Carolina rivalry.

All the best to Eric Montross, UNC All-American and one of the finest people you will ever meet. 🙏 https://t.co/NvdSOD3Yxu

— Jay Bilas (@JayBilas) March 25, 2023

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Figures From Around UNC Athletics Offer Support to Eric Montross

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