UNC basketball player Eric Montross, who is battling cancer, will not be on the Tar Heels’ radio broadcasts.
Eric Montross, a UNC basketball player who is still battling illness, will not be part of the Tar Heels’ radio broadcasts this season.
The 52-year-old Montross, a former NBA player and UNC national champion, had a 3-minute video message prepared for Tar Heel supporters during “Live Action with Carolina Basketball” at the Dean E. Smith Center on October 13.
“I am fighting and will continue to fight every day,” said Montross, a 7-footer whose No. 00 jersey hangs in the Smith Center’s rafters.
Montross’ family announced his cancer diagnosis in March, but could not provide specifics. In his honor, UNC basketball handed a $25,000 check to UNC Children’s Hospital before Friday’s Blue and White scrimmage.
“Even if you don’t see me – and I know I’m hard to miss – I will be cheering on our Tar Heels during every single game,” Montross said in a statement. “Thank you for your support of Carolina Basketball, a program that we all enjoy. Thank you also for supporting individuals we care about, wherever they are, who are facing this horrible cancer.”
Montross began working for UNC as a radio analyst for the Tar Heel Sports Network in the early 2000s. He has worked alongside the late Woody Durham and the current play-by-play announcer, Jones Angell.
Montross is also an active member of UNC’s Rams Club, which raises funds for athletics. He was an All-American and the starting center for the North Carolina Tar Heels’ national championship team in 1993. He was a top-10 choice in the 1994 NBA Draft and played for eight years.
Before concluding his video address, Montross made a special appeal to everyone in attendance at “Live Action.”
“Everyone knows someone who is affected by cancer,” Montross explained.
“When you get home tonight or over the weekend, call or text them.” Touching base is important. We feel your support, and it helps us get through what may be the most difficult days we’ve ever faced. That’s a fantastic approach to make a significant contribution to the fight against cancer.”
UNC has designed stickers and magnets with the slogans “Fight Cancer” and “Big Grits,” in reference to Montross’ nickname. SDS Design donated the goods, which will be sold to help the UNC AYA Cancer Program.
