Hubert Davis ‘Devastated’ By Death Of Former UNC Basketball Star

Eric Montross, a former North Carolina legend and NBA veteran, passed away Sunday at age 52.

His family revealed through the team that Montross, who was diagnosed with cancer in March, died in his Chapel Hill home. Tar Heels men’s basketball coach Hubert Davis mourned his former teammate.

“I am devastated,” Davis said in the school’s announcement. “Eric was my friend. He was my teammate. Eric loved being a husband. He loved being a dad. He loved being a Tar Heel and he loved Carolina basketball. I miss him.”

Montross and Davis went to the Final Four in 1991. After the New York Knicks drafted Davis in 1992, Montross led UNC to a 1993 national title by averaging 15.8 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game as a junior.

The 7-foot center left Chapel Hill as a two-time consensus All-American before the Boston Celtics drafted him with the No. 9 pick in 1994. Montross played for six NBA teams over eight seasons, playing 465 career games.

He later served as an analyst at Tar Heel Sports Network for 18 seasons before stepping down this year.

“Eric was a great player and accomplished student, but the impacts he made on our community went way beyond the basketball court,” UNC’s statement said. “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.”

Our condolences go out to Montross’ loved ones for their loss.