North Carolina star Eric Montross, who led the Tar Heels to the 1993 NCAA championship before getting drafted by the Boston Celtics has passed away at the age of 52 following his battle with cancer.

Since Montross stepped away from the NBA in 2004, he has worked as an analyst and game broadcaster at UNC. Montross was diagnosed with cancer earlier this year, in March, and since then, he had stepped away from his roles at UNC to follow his treatment. Montross’ family announced that the 7-foot center passed away earlier this week on Sunday at his home in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

UNC released the announcement from Montross’ family. It said, “To know Eric was to be his friend, and the family knows that the ripples from the generous, thoughtful way that he lived his life will continue in the lives of the many people he touched with his deep and sincere kindness.“

Before getting drafted by the Boston Celtics in 1994, Montross played under Dean Smith for the Tar Hills for 4 years. UNC also expressed their sadness after hearing this news. The impact that Montross has had on the people and the culture of the school is immeasurable. Apart from being a loving family man, people loved Montross for his work with UNC in raising funds for charities, and his efforts were appreciated by the people of North Carolina.

The sports world was shocked by the sudden passing

When the news about the passing of Montross was announced, fans were taken aback, as he was just 52 years old. Montross’ impact on the people cannot be termed better than that of this fan, who said, “Eric Montross was the reason I started following UNC Basketball when I was 12 years old. Rest in eternal paradise, big fella. 🙏🏾“

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“52??? Damn man,” wrote one person, while another fan posted, “Rest In Peace legend.” Montross was truly a legend at Chapel Hill.

Fans quickly started pouring in their condolences, with one saying, “Too young. RIP,” while another said, “WOW RIP Big Man 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾“

Having played in Indiana during his high school days, a fan from Indiana wrote: “Man this one hits hard. I remember watching and reading about him as a kid growing up in Indiana.”

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