Eric Montross remembered by competitors, friends: 'A tremendous player and person'
Eric Montross, a boys basketball state champion and Indiana All-Star with Lawrence North High School, has died at age 52. He was diagnosed with cancer earlier this year.
Montross led the Wildcats to the 1989 state title and was on the All-Star squad led by Mr. Basketball Damon Bailey.
Montross played at North Carolina and in the NBA for several years.
Those who played with and against Montross, and those who encountered him off the court, remember him.
The @HoopsHall regrets to learn of the passing of 2023 inductee, Eric Montross.
Montross played at Lawrence North where he averaged 21.3 points his junior year on his way to winning the State Championship. His senior year he was a Parade and McDonald’s All-American, an Indiana… pic.twitter.com/IKSMhhELER— Indiana Basketball HOF (@HoopsHall) December 18, 2023
And we just lost Eric Montross. A tremendous person and player. Some of my most memorable HS games were against him at Hinkle Fieldhouse. And I had the pleasure of playing AAU with him. A kind soul. Praying for his family.
— Alan Henderson (@44AlanHenderson) December 18, 2023
Sending my condolences to the Montross family as well as the @UNC_Basketball family. I went to a lot of the @LNHSwildcats games when he was leading them to the state championship. https://t.co/XUVR8nYWAd
— Micah Shrewsberry (@Coach_Shrews) December 18, 2023
CANCER is so VICIOUS -just took away one of the nicest guys I have ever met in my basketball journey with @espn Only 52 years old & a TERRIFIC person ex @UNC_Basketball star ERIC MONTROSS - pls God May he RIP! Absolutely heartbreaking! @UNCKirschner
— Dick Vitale (@DickieV) December 18, 2023
Crushing news about my friend Eric Montross. Tremendous human!! He was an incredible example for me to follow when I entered into the @NBA with the Pistons. Both on and off the court! He showed me how to be a pro, every single day, and I’m beyond grateful for our time together!
— Brian Cardinal (@BrianCardinal) December 18, 2023
Heartbroken. Eric Montross was the nicest, kindest person one could ever know. A great player and champion, husband, father, friend, and a truly wonderful, beautiful soul. RIP Eric Montross. https://t.co/fUhw41rQpp
— Jay Bilas (@JayBilas) December 18, 2023
Sad News. I didn't know him well, but Eric Montross was a freshman when I was a senior at Park Tudor in Indy (he transferred to Lawrence North, where he led the team to a state title). I always was impressed in his development as a player from his early high school days. RIP. https://t.co/umR7yqsv5a
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) December 18, 2023
Eric Montross was a terrific player and a gentle giant. Stayed around the program as a broadcaster and ambassador. I will miss our bro hugs at the Dean Dome and the Final Four. Prayers to his family. May his memory be a blessing. https://t.co/wZjlcylT23
— Seth Davis (@SethDavisHoops) December 18, 2023
Tragic loss today. I knew Eric Montross for only a week in 1993 as team USA translator. What a great dude and fierce cards competitor. RIP Eric @UNC_Basketball @celtics pic.twitter.com/kN1B2jp9bK
— Shergul Arshad (@shergul) December 18, 2023
Eric Montross was one of the nicest people I've encountered in this business. Always happy to talk. Always insightful about college basketball and his beloved Tar Heels.
Before all of that, he was a great @MarchMadnessMBB champion.
Gone at 52 from cancer is just awful news. RIP.— Michael DeCourcy (@tsnmike) December 18, 2023
I had the privilege of spending time with Eric Montross in 2013 when I was preparing to try out for the JV team. He was kind, thoughtful, and generous with his time. I had nothing to give in return. Just the kind of guy he was. UNC legend, better person. He will be greatly missed https://t.co/31LNUrB2uf
— Alex (@YagerAlex) December 18, 2023
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Eric Montross dies: Fans remember Lawrence North basketball star
