Who was Eric Montross and what was his cause of death?

Eric Montross played for six teams throughout his NBA career

FORMER NBA player Eric Montross had a prominent career playing with big teams from the Boston Celtics to the Toronto Raptors.

On December 18, 2023, news broke that Eric Montross passed away — here’s everything we know about the life and death of the basketball star.

Eric Montross was a former professional basketball player born on September 23, 1971, in Indianapolis, Indiana.

The basketball star started his professional career playing for the North Carolina Tar Heels from 1990 until 1994.

With the Tar Heels, Montross helped take his team to the NCAA Championship in 1993 where they took home the winning cup.

He then went on to be drafted by the Boston Celtics in the 1994 NBA Draft.

Montross played with the NBA until he retired in 2002.

Since retiring, Montross worked as a radio analyst on the Tar Heels Sports Network for 18 seasons.

Additionally, he worked for the Rams Club; the fundraising sector of UNC’s athletic department.

What was his cause of death?

Eric Montross passed away on December 17, 2023, from a short battle with cancer — he was 52 years old.

His family released a statement via UNC saying the basketball star was diagnosed with cancer in March 2023.

The statement read: “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.

“To know Eric was to be his friend, and the family knows that the ripples from the generous, thoughtful way that he lived his life will continue in the lives of the many people he touched with his deep and sincere kindness.

“The family asks for privacy during this difficult period.”

The university went on to release its own statement remembering the beloved athlete.

The statement read: “Eric was a great player and accomplished student, but the impacts he made on our community went way beyond the basketball court.

“He was a man of faith, a tremendous father, husband and son, and one of the most recognizable ambassadors of the University and Chapel Hill.”

Montross is survived by his wife Laura and their three children: Sarah, Andrew, and Megan.

Eric Montross played for six teams throughout his NBA careerCredit: Getty Images

What teams did Eric Montross play for?

Throughout his career, Montross played for an array of NBA teams.

From 1994 until 1996, Montross played for the Boston Celtics.

He then went on to play for a year with the Dallas Mavericks.

In 1997, Montross played for both the Brooklyn Nets – when they were known as the New Jersey Nets – and the Philadelphia 76ers.

From 1997 until 2001, the basketball star played for the Detroit Pistons before playing his final season in the league with the Toronto Raptors.

On August 26, 2003, Eric Montross announced his retirement after suffering a foot injury.