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

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