The family of the Indianapolis native and former University of North Carolina basketball star Eric Montross says he has begun cancer treatment.
The 7-foot center was drafted by the Boston Celtics in 1994 before playing for renowned head coach Dean Smith from 1990-94 and was a proud member of the 1993 national Championship team.
In his 139 career games, Montross started 105 matches, averaging 11.7 points, 1.2 blocks, and 6.8 rebounds.
After being selected by Boston Celtics as ninth overall in the NBA draft, this veteran star averaged 4.5 points, 0.6 blocks, and 4.6 rebounds in 465 matches throughout his illustrious 8 years career.
Besides the Celtics, Montross also played for Dallas Mavericks ( 1996-97), the New Jersey Nets (1997), the Philadelphia 76ers (1997), Detroit Pistons (1997-2001), and Toronto Raptors (2001-02).
Former NBA star Eric Montross diagnosed as a cancer patient
Eric Montross has been diagnosed with cancer at the age of 51, as disclosed by the Montross family on Saturday, on the Tar Heels team’s Twitter handle.
Montross has not specified the type of cancer he has been diagnosed with or the stage of the disease. Netizens have taken to social media to express their support for Montross and wish him a speedy recovery.
The NBA big man’s family released a statement, expressing gratitude for the support he has received.
A health update from the family of Carolina All-America, 1993 national champion and UNC radio analyst Eric Montross. pic.twitter.com/F0CWD8Lyeh
— Carolina Basketball (@UNC_Basketball) March 25, 2023
“We are all touched by the responses our entire family has received since the news became public. Your support is more than appreciated; it is welcomed as a necessary part of beating cancer one day at a time. Our family is dealing with Eric’s diagnosis head-on – the only way we know how. And we are all in this fight together”, the statement says.
Montross worked as a television basketball commentator for North Carolina games and is now being treated at the institution’s oncology center.
After drawing a conclusion to his career in 2003 due to an unfortunate foot injury, the former NBA star has been working as a radio analyst for UNC game broadcasts and Rams Club, the fundraising arm of UNC’s athletics department.
We wish a quick recovery for our beloved Eric. Show your love for the great NBA star in the comments.
