Jay Bilas, College Basketball World Pay Tributes to Eric Montross After He Dies at 52
Eric Montross, who starred at North Carolina under legendary coach Dean Smith in the early 1990s before an eight year NBA career, died Sunday after being diagnosed with cancer earlier this year. He was 52.
His death sparked an outpouring of tributes and support from around the college basketball world, who recognized him for both his skill on the floor and the type of human he was off of it.
Michigan Wolverines guard Jalen rose passes the ball while being defended by North Carolina Tar Heels center Eric Montross during the 1993 NCAA Men's Final Four championship game at the Superdome. North Carolina defeated Michigan 77-71.
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Montross was “the nicest, kindest person one could ever know” according to ESPN commentator Jay Bilas, who was among the many people to chime on social media after Montross’s death was announced Monday morning.
Montross was a two-time consensus All-American during his storied career with the Tar Heels, which included winning the 1993 national championship over Michigan’s “Fab Five." That title earned him a spot on the cover of Sports Illustrated.
After retiring from the NBA, Montross spent time around the Tar Heels as a radio broadcaster, was involved in charity work and helped raise money for North Carolina, only furthering his legendary status around college basketball. Plenty of former players, coaches and media members have all chimed in to celebrate his life.
