Jay Bilas, College Basketball World Pay Tributes to Eric Montross After He Dies at 52

Eric Montross, a former North Carolina basketball star, died Sunday at age 52.
Jay Bilas, College Basketball World Pay Tributes to Eric Montross After He Dies at 52
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.
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 / MPS-USA TODAY Sports

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.


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Kevin Sweeney
KEVIN SWEENEY

Kevin Sweeney is a staff writer at Sports Illustrated covering college basketball and the NBA draft. He joined the SI staff in July 2021 and also serves host and analyst for The Field of 68. Sweeney is a Naismith Trophy voter and ia member of the U.S. Basketball Writers Association. He is a graduate of Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism.