Eric Montross, who won an NCAA title with the UNC men’s basketball team in 1993 before serving as the team’s radio analyst, died on Sunday after a battle with cancer. 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.”

Besides being a recognizable face on the court and voice on the radio, Montross made a name for himself as a philanthropist in the UNC community. His Father’s Day Basketball Camp raises funds for UNC Children’s Hospital, where he often visited to lift the spirits of young cancer patients. Recently, the UNC men’s basketball program presented a $25,000 check to the hospital in Montross’ honor.

Montross was originally diagnosed with cancer in March of 2023. The community rallied around him in his fight, selling stickers and magnets featuring Montross’ No. 00 jersey and his nickname, “Big Grits.” The proceeds from the sales benefited the UNC Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) Cancer Program.

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.

“Eric was a great player and accomplished student, but the impacts he made on our community went way beyond the basketball court,” read a statement from the UNC athletic department. “He was a main of faith, a tremendous father, husband and son, and one of the most recognizable ambassadors of the University and Chapel Hill.

… The number of people who loved Eric and were touched by him is immeasurable.”

 

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
‹
The Best and Worst UNC Men's Basketball Games in the Hubert Davis Era
UNC head coach Hubert Davis’ time in Chapel Hill is officially over after five seasons, with the university announcing the men’s basketball program’s change of leadership on Tuesday. Davis’ tenure was defined by its high highs and low lows, and ultimately that inconsistency led to his dismissal. Here are some of the best wins and […]
Chansky's Notebook: You're a Good Man, Hubert Davis
The ugliness and awkwardness of Hubert Davis’ exit from the UNC men's basketball program should not overshadow the man he is.
UNC Parts Ways with Men's Basketball Head Coach Hubert Davis After 5 Seasons
UNC men’s basketball head coach Hubert Davis will not return after five seasons in charge, the program announced Tuesday night. Carolina Athletics shared a release at 9 p.m. with the announcement, saying it was parting ways with Davis after several days of discussions and review of his time leading the program. “We appreciate all that […]
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.
›