Eric Montross, former North Carolina basketball star, dies of cancer aged 52

Former North Carolina and NBA big man Eric Montross has died after a battle with cancer, his family said. He was 52.

The school made the family's announcement Monday morning, saying Montross died Sunday surrounded by loved ones at his home in Chapel Hill. He was diagnosed with cancer in March, which led to him resigning from his duties as a radio analyst for UNC game broadcasts.

“To know that Eric would be his friend, and the family knows that the ripples of the generous, thoughtful way he lived his life will live on in the lives of the many people he touched with his deep and genuine kindness” , the announcement said. .

Montross played for the Tar Heels under Dean Smith from 1990 to 1994 and was a two-time Associated Press second-team All-American. He started on Smith's second NCAA championship team in 1993 before becoming the No. 9 overall pick of the Boston Celtics a year later and playing in the NBA until 2002.

In addition to his broadcast duties, he served as senior director of major gifts at the Rams Club, the fundraising arm of UNC's athletic department. He was also known for his charitable efforts, such as helping launch a father-child basketball camp for Father's Day weekend in support of UNC Children's Hospital.

“Eric was a tremendous player and a talented student, but the impact he had on our community extended far beyond the basketball court,” the school said in its own statement. “He was a man of faith, a wonderful father, husband and son, and one of the university and Chapel Hill's most recognizable ambassadors.”

The family disclosed Montross's illness when he was diagnosed, but did not specify the nature of the cancer.