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
‹
UNC Men's Basketball Unranked in 2026-27 Preseason AP Poll
Michael Malone’s Tar Heels will not be ranked at the outset of the 2026-27 season. The AP Top 25 preseason poll was published Monday morning, and UNC was not included. Florida reigns supreme at No. 1 in the poll, followed by No. 2 Duke, No. 3 Illinois, No. 4 UConn and No. 5 Arizona. Elsewhere […]
UNC Men's Basketball Blown Out vs. Indiana in Second Preseason Exhibition
UNC was outplayed on both ends of the floor against Indiana in the Tar Heels’ second exhibition of the preseason Sunday evening, and the Hoosiers won 76-58 in Indianapolis. Indiana flexed its muscles on the glass, outrebounding Carolina by a dominant 53-31 margin. The Hoosiers had more defensive rebounds (33) than UNC had in total. […]
UNC Men's Basketball vs. Indiana (2026): How to Watch, Cord-Cutting Options and Tip-Off Time
UNC will continue preseason action Sunday when it travels to Indianapolis to face Indiana at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, home of the NBA’s Indiana Pacers. If you aren’t making the trip with the team, here’s how you can follow along at home: Broadcast Schedule Those hoping to listen on the radio can do so at 97.9 FM and […]
UNC Men's Basketball Picked 5th in 2026-27 ACC Preseason Poll
UNC was picked fifth in the ACC men’s basketball preseason poll Monday afternoon. Two-time reigning conference champion Duke comes in at No. 1, taking home 45 of a possible 48 first-place votes. No. 2 Virginia, No. 3 Louisville and No. 4 Miami each followed with one first-place vote each. Below UNC, No. 6 Clemson, No. […]
This Week in UNC Sports: October 12-18
More and more of UNC's winter sports are beginning their seasons as we hit the middle of October, and "crossover season" is upon us.
'You Want to Win for Him': Michael Malone's Unofficial UNC Welcome is a Hit
UNC head coach Michael Malone drew rave reviews after his Tar Heels beat USC 88-70 in a preseason exhibition Friday night.
UNC Men's Basketball Beats USC in Greensboro Preseason Exhibition
UNC outscored USC 51-31 in the second half to overcome a halftime deficit and beat the Trojans 88-70 in a preseason exhibition in Greensboro.
UNC Men's Basketball vs. USC (2026): How to Watch, Cord-Cutting Options and Tip-Off Time
UNC fans will get their first look at head coach Michael Malone’s Tar Heels Friday night when Carolina takes on USC in a preseason exhibition at First Horizon Coliseum in Greensboro. It’s UNC’s first game of any kind in Greensboro since the 2023 ACC Tournament. If you aren’t making the trip to the game, here’s […]
Breaking Down Michael Malone's Challenge to Jarin Stevenson, UNC's Gentle Giant
Earlier in the offseason, a fellow reporter and I were discussing Tar Heel senior forward Jarin Stevenson. As the team’s only returning starter and one of the only familiar faces fans can latch on to after an offseason of upheaval, he projects to be a key player for UNC in 2026-27. That prominent role, plus […]
Are They Eligible? Keeping Up with UNC's Rece Verhoff, Cameron Fens and Others
Student-athletes across the country are currently embroiled in an eligibility fight against the NCAA. The athletes, who graduated high school in 2022, are seeking a fifth year of eligibility under the NCAA’s new rules. However, the NCAA is countering that the rule only applies to students currently in college from the 2026-27 academic year forward. […]
›