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UNC Basketball releases statement from Eric Montross’ family

By Jordan Falls

CHAPEL HILL, NC - DECEMBER 03: Eric Montross and Jones Angell (2nd and 3rd from left respectively), radio color analyst and play-by-play announcers respectively for the North Carolina Tar Heels, during a North Carolina game against the Tulane Green Wave on December 03, 2017 at the Dean Smith Center in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. North Carolina won 97-73. (Photo by Peyton Williams/UNC/Getty Images)
CHAPEL HILL, NC - DECEMBER 03: Eric Montross and Jones Angell (2nd and 3rd from left respectively), radio color analyst and play-by-play announcers respectively for the North Carolina Tar Heels, during a North Carolina game against the Tulane Green Wave on December 03, 2017 at the Dean Smith Center in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. North Carolina won 97-73. (Photo by Peyton Williams/UNC/Getty Images) /
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The UNC Basketball program released some sad news on Saturday afternoon about a former player, and current radio analyst, Eric Montross. 

Announced via the UNC Basketball program’s social media channels on Saturday afternoon, the Carolina Family received some news on Saturday that no one ever wants to hear.

Eric Montross has been diagnosed with cancer.

Montross is on staff with the University as the Senior Director of Principal Gifts where he works with the solicitation and cultivation of major gifts while also fundraising for the men’s basketball program. He is also a radio analyst for UNC Basketball on the Tar Heels Sports Network and sits next to Jones Angell.

As many have said since the news has been released, Eric was a phenomenal player, but he is an even better person. Eric has worked alongside former Tar Heels play-by-play man, Woody Durham, and current play-by-play announcer, Jones Angell.

I’ve had the pleasure of meeting Eric a few times. Every time I’ve met him, he has taken the time to speak with me and take a picture (or two). You would never know you were talking with a National Champion and a famous basketball player if he wasn’t 7’0″.

Montross played at North Carolina from 1990-1994. He was on the 1993 National Championship team for the Tar Heels and was a consensus second-team All-American twice (1993 and 1994). His no. 00 jersey is honored in the rafters of the Dean E. Smith Center. He was selected 9th overall in the 1994 NBA draft and had a nine-year professional career.

Many know Eric as “Big Grits”, a nickname that was earned from a road trip with the UNC Men’s Basketball team was on and then later announced on the Carolina Podcast.

Please keep Eric and his family in your thoughts and prayers as they battle through this difficult time.

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