CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — 2-time All-American and former UNC basketball star Eric Montross has been diagnosed with cancer, according to his family.
The Montross family released a statement on the team's Twitter page Saturday night. It said Montross learned of the diagnosis recently and started treatment at UNC Lineberger Cancer Center in Chapel Hill.
"We are all touched by the responses our entire family has received since the news became public," the family said in a statement. "Your support is more than appreciated; it is welcomed as a necessary part of beating cancer one day at a time."
The family did not share what type of cancer Montross is battling.
Montross is married with two children.
"Our family is dealing with Eric's diagnosis head-on - the only way we know how," the statement continued. "We are all in this fight together."
The former Tar Heel standout helped lead UNC to a national championship in 1993. He started at center on two teams that won the ACC. He was named a second-team All-American twice.
His jersey number currently hangs in the rafters at the Dean Dome.
Montross played eight seasons in the NBA after his time in Chapel Hill ended.
He's now part of the team's radio broadcast.
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