Eric Montross, Indianapolis Native and Former North Carolina Basketball Star, Dies at 52

Eric Montross, a standout basketball player at Lawrence North High School (Indianapolis) and the University of North Carolina, has died after a battle with cancer.

Eric Montross, an Indianapolis native and former standout basketball player at the University of North Carolina, has died after a battle with cancer. He was 52.

North Carolina released a statement on Monday morning, announcing the passing of Montross on Sunday. 

"The family of Eric Montross (Laura, Sarah, Andrew and Megan) is announcing that he passed away on Sunday, December 17, surrounded by loved ones at his home in Chapel Hill. Eric was diagnosed with cancer in March 2023, and his family is grateful for the tremendous support and the truly overwhelming love expressed by so many people as he battled with his signature determination and grace.

"They also thank the many members of the medical community — and particularly those at UNC Lineberger Cancer Center — who matched his fight with equal passion. To know Eric was to be his friend, and the family knows that the ripples from the generous, thoughtful way he lived his life will continue in the lives of the many people he touched with his deep and sincere kindness."

Montross was a native of Indianapolis and played high school basketball at Lawrence North. He averaged 21.3 points per game as a junior, leading the Wildcats to an Indiana state championship in 1989.

As a high school senior, Montross received McDonald's All-American honors and was a first-team Parade All-American in 1990.

Montross played college basketball all North Carolina, where was a two-time All-American and an NCAA champion in 1993. Over his four-year career in Chapel Hill, Montross averaged 11.7 points and 6.8 rebounds per game.

In 1994, Montross was selected in the first round of the NBA Draft by the Boston Celtics with the No. 9 overall pick. He enjoyed an eight-year career in the league, playing for the Celtics (1994-96), Dallas Maverick (1996-97), New Jersey Nets (1997), Philadelphia 76ers (1997), Detroit Pistons (1997-2001) and Toronto Raptors (2001-02).

Montross was inducted in the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame in 2023 and his No. 00 has been retired by North Carolina.

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