Eric Montross Cause of Death and Obituary, Who Was Eric Montross? What Happened to Tar Heel Eric Montross? How Did Eric Montross Die?
by Ruksana
Updated Dec 19, 2023
Eric Montross Cause of Death and Obituary
Eric Montross passed away on December 17, 2023, at the age of 52. He battled cancer, and his family confirmed his diagnosis in March of the same year. Unfortunately, despite his fight, Montross succumbed to the illness at his home, surrounded by his family and loved ones.
His death marked the end of a remarkable life, both on and off the basketball court. Montross was a legendary figure in North Carolina basketball, known for his contributions to the sport and his subsequent roles as a broadcaster and community ambassador.
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Who Was Eric Montross?
Eric Scott Montross, born on September 23, 1971, in Indianapolis, Indiana, was a prominent American professional basketball player. Standing at 7 feet tall, he played in the NBA for eight seasons with the Boston Celtics, Dallas Mavericks, New Jersey Nets, Philadelphia 76ers, Detroit Pistons, and Toronto Raptors.
Montross achieved success in college as part of the University of North Carolina Tar Heels, winning an NCAA Championship in 1993. After retiring from basketball, he became a color commentator for Tar Heel Sports Network and dedicated himself to philanthropy, co-founding an organization called Vaccine Ambassadors.
Name
Eric Montross
Birth Date
September 23, 1971
Aged
52
Birth Place
Indianapolis, Indiana
Died
December 17, 2023
Height
7 ft 0 in (2.13 m)
Weight
250 lb (113 kg)
High School
Lawrence North
College
North Carolina
NBA Draft
1994: 1st round, 9th overall pick (Boston Celtics)
NBA Career
1994–2002
Position
Center
Eric Montross Early Life
Born in Indianapolis, Indiana, Eric Montross began making a name for himself at Lawrence North High School. As a standout player, he earned the title of McDonald's All American in 1990, showcasing his basketball prowess. Montross not only excelled in basketball but also stood out as a baseball pitcher. His achievements in high school led him to commit to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he continued to make a significant impact.
Montross's college career at UNC was highlighted by winning the NCAA Championship in 1993. He came from a family with a rich basketball legacy, as both his father and grandfather had notable basketball achievements. In four seasons at UNC, Montross played 139 games, averaging 11.7 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game.
Eric Montross Career
Eric Montross's professional basketball journey began when he was selected by the Boston Celtics with the ninth overall pick in the 1994 NBA draft. His rookie season was particularly impressive, earning him a spot in the 1995 Rookie All-Star Game and the NBA All-Rookie Second Team. However, despite a strong start, Montross faced challenges, and the Celtics drew criticism for choosing him over other notable players.
Over the course of his NBA career, Montross played for various teams, including the Dallas Mavericks, New Jersey Nets, Philadelphia 76ers, Detroit Pistons, and Toronto Raptors. His most extended tenure was with the Detroit Pistons, where he played 167 games over four seasons. Montross announced his retirement in 2003 due to a foot injury, leaving behind a legacy that extended beyond the basketball court.
Eric Montross Stats
Year
Team
GP
GS
MPG
PPG
RPG
BPG
APG
1994–95
Boston
78
75
29.7
10.0
7.3
0.8
0.5
1995–96
Boston
61
59
23.5
7.2
5.8
0.5
0.7
1996–97
Dallas/NJ
78
77
23.5
4.3
6.6
0.9
0.8
1997–98
Phi/Det
48
30
14.4
2.9
4.1
0.6
0.2
1998–99
Detroit
46
2
12.5
2.1
3.0
0.6
0.3
1999–00
Detroit
51
0
6.5
0.8
1.4
0.2
0.1
2000–01
Det/Tor
54
21
12.0
2.2
3.2
0.5
0.4
2001–02
Toronto
49
24
13.4
2.4
2.9
0.5
0.3
Career
-
465
288
18.2
4.5
4.6
0.6
0.4
What Happened to Tar Heel Eric Montross?
Eric Montross was diagnosed with cancer. A legend in North Carolina basketball, continued his contributions to the community even after his playing career. Following his successful college years and an NBA journey, he became a color commentator for the Tar Heel Sports Network.
Montross also co-founded Vaccine Ambassadors, an organization dedicated to distributing vaccines globally, especially in developing countries. His impact extended beyond the basketball court, making him a beloved figure in the University of North Carolina and Chapel Hill community.
How Did Eric Montross Die?
In late March 2023, Eric Montross's family revealed that he had been diagnosed with cancer. Despite receiving treatment at the UNC Lineberger Cancer Center, Montross's health declined, and on December 17, 2023, at the age of 52, he peacefully passed away at his home.
The basketball community mourned the loss of a great player and a passionate member of the UNC and Chapel Hill community. UNC released a heartfelt statement honoring Montross's legacy, highlighting his contributions not only as a player but also as a man of faith, a father, husband, son, and a recognizable ambassador of the university.
Eric Montross Cause of Death and Obituary - FAQs
Eric Montross passed away at the age of 52 due to cancer.
Eric Montross was an American professional basketball player.
Eric Montross died on December 17, 2023.
Eric Montross was born in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Eric Montross played in the NBA for eight seasons, from 1994 to 2002.