The University of North Carolina (UNC) community is mourning the loss of basketball legend Eric Montross, who succumbed to cancer at the age of 52. The news of Montross’s passing has deeply affected UNC players, personnel, and fans, prompting an outpouring of memories and condolences.
Montross’s Legacy at UNC:
- Eric Montross played a pivotal role at the University of North Carolina (UNC) from 1990 to 1994, achieving a national championship in the 92-93 season. His contributions on the court were significant, averaging 11.7 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks during his time as a Tar Heel.
- Fondly known as “Big Grits,” Montross was selected as the 9th overall pick by the Boston Celtics in the 1994 NBA draft.
- In his rookie season in the NBA, Montross nearly averaged a double-double, with 10 points and 7.3 rebounds per game. He spent eight seasons in the league before returning to UNC.
- Post his NBA career, Montross became a radio color analyst for UNC basketball, sharing his insights with fans nationwide.
Tributes from UNC Fans and Community:
UNC fans and members of the community expressed their grief and shared memories of Eric Montross on social media:
- Twitter user @WesDurham expressed gratitude for Montross’s friendship, particularly highlighting his kindness towards family members. The tweet included a photo of Montross.
- University officials and figures, including Kevin Guskiewicz and Wes Durham, mourned the loss of Montross, emphasizing his status as a Tar Heel legend.
- Notable figures in basketball, such as Jay Bilas and Dick Vitale, paid tribute to Montross, acknowledging his greatness on and off the court. Vitale lamented the viciousness of cancer and shared memories of Montross from their basketball journey.
- Tar Heels of NYC tweeted a heartfelt message, acknowledging the pain felt by the North Carolina family and expressing gratitude for Montross being a Tar Heel.
- Fans shared personal anecdotes, with one recalling a memorable game against Duke in 1992 when Montross displayed exceptional resilience and skill.
- Dick Vitale highlighted the devastating impact of cancer, describing Montross as a terrific person and expressing his deep sorrow at the loss.
UNC fans and the broader basketball community united in remembering Eric Montross as not only a skilled athlete but also a kind, gentle, and legendary figure who left an indelible mark on the Tar Heel legacy.
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