Eric Montross is a former NBA player who was in the league for almost a decade. The Boston Celtics drafted Montross as the 9th overall pick at the 1994 NBA Draft. Although he didn’t have the liberty to win the championship ring, Eric played for several franchises. He also played for the Dallas Mavericks, Philadelphia 76ers, Detroit Pistons, and Toronto Raptors.
Recently, Eric made headlines once again but it was for unfortunate reasons. The former NBA player recently passed away after a battle with cancer, and it has left the basketball world stunned.
With heavy hearts we bring you this update from the family of Eric Montross.
Rest in peace Big E.
🔗: https://t.co/EgOjPTSh2B pic.twitter.com/V3TgxZDWPm
— Carolina Basketball (@UNC_Basketball) December 18, 2023
The North Carolina Basketball team announced on behalf of Montross’ family that the UNC legend was no more. The statement mentioned that Montross passed away with his loved ones right by his side, which would surely ease the pain for any individual.
Eric Montross was diagnosed with cancer in March 2023
For those who don’t know, the American was also a player of North Carolina. He led them to the 1993 NCAA championship and played a pivotal role in their success. Eric was the center for the team when they beat Michigan in the final that year.
The Montross family said in the statement, “Eric was recently diagnosed with cancer and is beginning treatments under the care of the amazing oncologists, nurses and staff at the world-class UNC Lineberger Cancer Center.”
A health update from the family of Carolina All-America, 1993 national champion and UNC radio analyst Eric Montross. pic.twitter.com/F0CWD8Lyeh
— Carolina Basketball (@UNC_Basketball) March 25, 2023
“Our family is of course deeply concerned, but we have spent nearly three decades in the fight against children’s cancer and know well the incredible advancements that are being made in oncology treatments, as well as the power of love, prayer, support and positivity.” They also mentioned that Eric will take the battle one day at a time, which speaks at length about his mentality and strength.
The world has been eager to know what type of cancer Eric has been diagnosed with. However, his family and close ones have not revealed this detail. It is understandable if it is privacy that they wish for at this crucial moment. However, the decision to keep it under wraps has not gone down well among fans at the time.
Why don’t they disclose the TYPE of cancer ex-NBA player Eric Montross has been diagnosed with? DISTURBING TREND. They need to be transparent with the public about which SPECIFIC illnesses people are acquiring considering citizens were COERCED into taking an experimental product.
— Dr. James E. Olsson (@DrJamesOlsson) March 26, 2023
With that being said, the NBA world can only hope that Montross’ condition improves as time passes. After bidding goodbye to his NBA career, Eric became a commentator for the Taar Heel Sports Network. In addition to that, he was also the play-by-play commentator for North Carolina Basketball.