Rest In Peace

https://www.masslive.com/celtics/2023/12/former-celtics-center-dies-at-age-52-after-cancer-battle.html



Former Celtics center dies at age 52 after cancer battle


Published: Dec. 18, 2023, 9:43 a.m.




North Carolina coach Dean Smith has a word with his center Eric Montross after Montross as poked in the eye during Sunday’s NCAA East Regional Championship game against Cincinnati on March 28, 1993. The Tarheels advanced to the Final Four with their 75-68 win. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)ASSOCIATED PRESS


By Brian Robb | brobb@masslive.com


Former Celtics center Eric Montross died Sunday at age 52 after a battle with cancer according to a family statement released by North Carolina basketball.

The former UNC standout was surrounded by loved ones in Chapel Hill when he passed away according to the school. He was diagnosed with cancer in March 2023. Montross is survived by his wife Laura and three children, Sarah, Andrew and Megan.


After a standout career with UNC from 1990-94 under head coach Dean Smith, Montross was drafted by Boston with the No. 9 overall pick in the 1994 NBA Draft. Fresh off a national championship with UNC in 1993, Montross was selected to the 1995 Rookie All-Star Game and was also named to the NBA All-Rookie 2nd team. He played the best basketball of his NBA career in Boston, averaging 8.8 points and 6.6 rebounds per game over two seasons.


The Celtics traded Montross along with a first round pick in June 1996 to the Dallas Mavericks to land Antoine Walker in the 1996 NBA Draft along with a future first round pick in 1997. Montross went on to play nine seasons in his NBA career with six different teams (Pistons, Raptors, Mavericks, Nets, 76ers) before retiring with Toronto after the 2001-02 season at age 30.


After his pro career, Montross went on to be a UNC basketball analyst for 18 seasons before stepping away this season after his cancer diagnosis.

UNC Basketball released the following statement after his passing:

Carolina Athletics, the Tar Heel basketball family and the entire University community are profoundly saddened and stunned by the loss of Eric Montross, one of our most beloved former student-athletes, at far too young an age. Eric was a great player and accomplished student, but the impacts he made on our community went way beyond the basketball court. He was a man of faith, a tremendous father, husband and son, and one of the most recognizable ambassadors of the University and Chapel Hill.

“We extend our deepest condolences to Laura, his children and entire family, and his colleagues and friends. The number of people who loved Eric and were touched by him is immeasurable.”


Bob


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Rest In Peace Eric. Way too young to leave this world.

Sad.

I remember watching him play for UNC. His game was something to see.

Very sad news, indeed. Too young by any measure.