ESPN News Services10:47 PM BST1 Minute Read
CHAPEL HILL, NC — The family of former North Carolina and NBA big man Eric Montross say he started treatment for cancer.
Montross’ family on Saturday issued a statement through the school announcing the 51-year-old’s diagnosis, although they did not specify the type of cancer.
“We are all touched by the reactions our entire family has received since the news broke,” the family said. “Your support is more than appreciated; it is hailed as a necessary part of the daily fight against cancer. Our family is dealing directly with Eric’s diagnosis – the only way we know of. And we’re all in this fight together.”
Montross is a radio analyst for UNC game broadcasts and works for the Rams Club, the fundraising arm of UNC’s athletic department.
Montross was a two-time Associated Press second-team All-American All-American with the Tar Heels. He was the starting center for the late Dean Smith’s 1993 second NCAA championship squad.
Montross was drafted ninth overall by the Boston Celtics in the 1994 NBA draft. During his eight-year NBA career, he also played for the Dallas Mavericks, then-New Jersey Nets, Philadelphia 76ers, Detroit Pistons and Toronto Raptors.
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.