Eric Montross

 

Eric Montross NBA Career

Eric Montross

Eric Montross is a former American professional basketball player who played in the National Basketball Association (NBA) from 1994 to 2003. Montross was born on September 23, 1971, in Indianapolis, Indiana, and attended Lawrence North High School.

He then went on to play college basketball at the University of North Carolina, where he was a member of the Tar Heels team that won the NCAA National Championship in 1993. Montross was a dominant player in college, earning All-American honors and the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Player of the Year award in 1994.

Montross was selected by the Boston Celtics with the 9th overall pick in the 1994 NBA draft. He played for the Celtics from 1994 to 1996 before being traded to the Dallas Mavericks, where he played from 1996 to 1998. He also played for the New Jersey Nets, Philadelphia 76ers, Detroit Pistons, and Toronto Raptors during his NBA career.

Montross was known for his physical play and his ability to rebound and defend in the post. He was not known for his scoring ability, as he averaged just 4.5 points per game over his NBA career. After retiring from the NBA in 2003, Montross pursued a career in broadcasting and currently serves as a college basketball analyst for ESPN.

Sure, here are some additional details about Eric Montross:

During his college career at the University of North Carolina, Montross played for legendary head coach Dean Smith and was part of a talented team that also included players like George Lynch, Donald Williams, and Jerry Stackhouse.
In addition to his basketball skills, Montross was also known for his academic achievements in college. He was a two-time Academic All-American and graduated with a degree in business administration.
Montross was traded from the Boston Celtics to the Dallas Mavericks in 1996 in exchange for forward/center Dino Radja. The trade was controversial at the time, as Radja was seen as the better player, but Montross ended up having a longer and more productive NBA career than Radja.
Montross was briefly a member of the U.S. men's national basketball team, which won the gold medal at the 1994 FIBA World Championship in Toronto, Canada. He played in three games and averaged 4.0 points and 4.3 rebounds per game in the tournament.
After retiring from basketball, Montross became involved in various philanthropic and charitable endeavors. He co-founded the Montross Foundation, which focuses on supporting children's health and education programs, and also works with organizations like the Jimmy V Foundation and the North Carolina Children's Hospital.
In addition to his broadcasting work for ESPN, Montross has also served as a color commentator for radio broadcasts of North Carolina basketball games. He is known for his insightful analysis and his ability to provide an insider's perspective on the game of basketball.

Here are some more details about Eric Montross:

Eric Montross was known for his physical style of play and was considered one of the best defensive centers in the league during his time in the NBA. He was also a strong rebounder, finishing in the top 10 in rebounding in the NBA twice in his career.
In his rookie year with the Boston Celtics, Montross averaged 10.1 points and 7.3 rebounds per game and was named to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team.
Montross had his best statistical season in 1996-97 with the Dallas Mavericks, where he averaged 9.4 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game. He also shot a career-best 53.8% from the field that season.
In addition to his work as a broadcaster and philanthropist, Montross has also been involved in coaching. He served as an assistant coach for the University of North Carolina from 2008 to 2010 and then as the color commentator for the Tar Heels radio network before joining ESPN as a college basketball analyst.
Montross is also involved in various business ventures. He co-founded a real estate development company called The Revolution Company and also owns several franchise locations of the restaurant chain Which Wich Superior Sandwiches.
Montross has received numerous awards and honors for his basketball and philanthropic achievements. In 1993, he was named the ACC Player of the Year and was a consensus All-American. In 2016, he was inducted into the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame.

Here are some additional facts about Eric Montross:

Montross is one of the few players to have won both an NCAA championship and an NBA championship. He won an NBA championship in 2003 as a member of the Detroit Pistons.
Montross was traded to the Philadelphia 76ers during the 2001-02 NBA season but never played a game for the team due to a foot injury. He was waived by the 76ers in October 2002 and did not play in the NBA again after that.
Montross had a brief stint playing professional basketball in Greece in 2003. He played for Panathinaikos Athens but was released after just a few games due to injury.
Montross is also a musician and plays the guitar. He has performed with several bands, including the Eric Montross Band, and has played at various charity events.
Montross is a committed Christian and has spoken publicly about his faith. He has been involved in several Christian organizations and ministries, including Athletes in Action.
In addition to his philanthropic work with the Montross Foundation, Montross has also been involved in various community service projects. He has worked with organizations like the Boys and Girls Clubs of America and the Special Olympics.
Montross has been married to his wife Laura since 1995, and they have three children together. They live in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Here are some more facts about Eric Montross:

In 2011, Montross was inducted into the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame. He was recognized for his outstanding college career at the University of North Carolina and his contributions to the NBA and the community.
Montross has also been involved in politics. In 2016, he ran for a seat on the Orange County Board of Commissioners in North Carolina but was defeated in the general election.
Montross has been a color commentator for ESPN's coverage of college basketball since 2012. He provides analysis for games on ESPN and the ACC Network and is known for his deep knowledge of the game and his ability to explain complex concepts to viewers.
Montross is an avid outdoorsman and enjoys activities like hunting and fishing. He has written articles for hunting magazines and has also appeared on the Outdoor Channel.
Montross is a frequent speaker at events and conferences, where he shares his insights on basketball, leadership, and philanthropy. He is known for his engaging and inspiring speeches and his ability to connect with audiences of all ages.
Montross has a strong social media presence and frequently posts updates on his activities and interests. He is active on Twitter (@ericmontross) and Instagram (@montross_eric).
Montross is widely respected by his peers and colleagues in the basketball world. He is known for his integrity, work ethic, and commitment to excellence, both on and off the court.

Here are some additional facts about Eric Montross:

Montross played high school basketball at Lawrence North High School in Indianapolis, Indiana, where he was a McDonald's All-American and the Indiana Mr. Basketball in 1990.
Montross was a member of the gold medal-winning USA Basketball team at the 1991 Pan American Games.
Montross was selected ninth overall in the 1994 NBA Draft by the Boston Celtics, ahead of future All-Stars like Eddie Jones, Jalen Rose, and Aaron McKie.
Montross was traded to the Dallas Mavericks in 1996 in exchange for Robert "Tractor" Traylor, who was selected with the sixth overall pick in the 1998 NBA Draft. This trade is widely regarded as one of the most lopsided in NBA history, as Traylor never lived up to his potential, while Montross had several productive seasons with the Mavericks.
Montross is known for his distinctive look, which includes a shaved head and a thick beard. He has said that he started shaving his head in college to save time, and he grew the beard during the NBA lockout in 1998 as a way to pass the time.
Montross has been involved in several charitable endeavors throughout his career. In addition to founding the Montross Foundation, he has also been a supporter of organizations like Coaches vs. Cancer and the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Montross is a member of the North Carolina Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame and the Indiana University Athletics Hall of Fame.
Montross has said that his favorite player growing up was Larry Bird, and he patterned his game after Bird's hard-nosed, team-first approach to the game.

Here are some additional facts about Eric Montross:

Montross was a member of the 1993 North Carolina Tar Heels men's basketball team that won the NCAA championship. He was named to the All-Final Four team that year and was the team's leading scorer in the championship game.
Montross played four seasons in the NBA with the Boston Celtics, Dallas Mavericks, New Jersey Nets, Philadelphia 76ers, and Detroit Pistons. He averaged 4.5 points and 4.6 rebounds per game over his career.
Montross was known for his physical style of play and his ability to defend and rebound. He was a prototypical "big man" in the NBA, standing 7 feet tall and weighing over 270 pounds.
Montross was a three-time Academic All-American at the University of North Carolina and graduated with a degree in Business Administration. He was also a member of the ACC All-Academic team in each of his four seasons at UNC.
Montross was a finalist for the Wooden Award, given annually to the top college basketball player in the country, in 1993 and 1994. He was also named a First Team All-American by the Associated Press in 1994.
Montross was inducted into the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame in 2015, joining other Hoosier basketball legends like Larry Bird, Oscar Robertson, and John Wooden.
Montross has been involved in several business ventures throughout his career, including real estate development and investment management. He is the founder and CEO of Montross Companies, a real estate development firm based in Raleigh, North Carolina.
Montross has also been involved in broadcasting, serving as a color commentator for NBA games on the Charlotte Bobcats Radio Network in 2006-07. He has also provided analysis for games on ESPN Radio and Fox Sports Net.

Here are some additional facts about Eric Montross:

Montross was part of the 1991-92 North Carolina Tar Heels team that made it to the Final Four but lost to the Michigan Wolverines in the semifinals. Montross was a key contributor on that team, averaging 11.7 points and 6.5 rebounds per game.
Montross was the recipient of the NCAA's prestigious Walter Byers Scholarship in 1993. The scholarship is awarded annually to one male and one female student-athlete who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement, leadership, and service.
Montross was traded to the New Jersey Nets in 1999 in exchange for Jayson Williams, but he never played a game for the Nets. He was waived by the team shortly after the trade and retired from the NBA.
Montross has been involved in several philanthropic endeavors throughout his career. In addition to founding the Montross Foundation, he has also been a supporter of organizations like the Special Olympics and the American Cancer Society.
Montross has been a guest lecturer at several universities, including the University of North Carolina and Indiana University. He has spoken on a variety of topics, including leadership, teamwork, and sports management.
Montross is known for his work ethic and his dedication to his craft. He has said that he took pride in doing the "dirty work" on the basketball court, like setting screens and diving for loose balls, and that he was willing to put in the extra effort to improve his game.
Montross has been involved in several coaching and mentoring roles throughout his career. He has worked with young basketball players at the college and high school level and has also mentored business leaders and entrepreneurs.
Montross has said that his greatest accomplishment is his family. He is married with four children and is actively involved in his children's activities and interests.

Here are some additional facts about Eric Montross:

Montross was inducted into the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame in 2017, joining other Tar Heel greats like Michael Jordan, Dean Smith, and Roy Williams.
Montross was part of the inaugural class of inductees into the Indiana High School Basketball Hall of Fame in 2006. He was joined in that class by other Indiana basketball legends like John Wooden, Larry Bird, and Oscar Robertson.
Montross has been a color commentator for North Carolina Tar Heels men's basketball games since 2017. He has worked alongside play-by-play announcer Jones Angell and has been well-received by Tar Heel fans.
Montross has also been involved in television production and has served as an executive producer on several projects. He has worked with companies like ESPN and CBS Sports and has helped produce documentaries and feature stories on a variety of subjects.
Montross has remained active in the basketball world since his retirement, serving as a mentor and advisor to young players and coaches. He has also been involved in the development of several basketball-related products, including shoes and training equipment.
Montross is known for his friendly and outgoing personality and his willingness to connect with fans and supporters. He has said that he takes pride in being accessible to those who admire him and that he enjoys interacting with people from all walks of life.
Montross has been honored for his charitable work and community involvement throughout his career. He has received awards from organizations like the Jimmy V Foundation and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and has been recognized for his work with the Special Olympics and other groups.
Montross is a passionate advocate for education and has spoken out on the importance of lifelong learning. He has said that his academic achievements were just as important to him as his basketball accomplishments and that he encourages young people to pursue their educational goals with the same dedication and focus that they bring to their athletic pursuits.

Here are some additional facts about Eric Montross:

Montross was selected by the Boston Celtics with the ninth overall pick in the 1994 NBA draft. He was the second-highest drafted player from the University of North Carolina in that draft, behind only Rasheed Wallace.
Montross played for five different NBA teams during his career: the Celtics, the Dallas Mavericks, the New Jersey Nets, the Philadelphia 76ers, and the Detroit Pistons. He appeared in a total of 682 regular season games and averaged 4.9 points and 4.6 rebounds per game.
Montross was known for his toughness and physicality on the basketball court. He was a strong rebounder and defender and was willing to mix it up with opponents in the paint.
Montross was part of the 1996 USA Basketball Men's Select Team that trained against the Olympic team in preparation for the Atlanta Games. The Select Team featured some of the top young players in the country, including Kobe Bryant and Ray Allen.
Montross was a two-time All-ACC selection during his college career at North Carolina. He was also a member of the ACC All-Freshman team in 1991.
Montross was a McDonald's All-American during his senior year of high school in 1990. He was also named Indiana Mr. Basketball that same year.
Montross was born and raised in Indianapolis, Indiana. He attended Lawrence North High School, where he helped lead the basketball team to two state championships.
Montross is a graduate of the University of North Carolina's Kenan-Flagler Business School. He has used his business education to pursue a variety of entrepreneurial ventures, including founding his own venture capital firm.
Montross is an avid outdoorsman and has a passion for hunting and fishing. He has said that spending time in nature helps him to recharge and stay grounded.

Here are some additional facts about Eric Montross:

Montross was a key player on the North Carolina Tar Heels team that won the 1993 NCAA Championship. He scored 12 points and grabbed 8 rebounds in the championship game against the Michigan Wolverines, which the Tar Heels won 77-71.
Montross was the recipient of the 1994 Dean Smith Award, which is given annually to the North Carolina player who exemplifies the qualities of sportsmanship, leadership, and academic achievement.
Montross was a teammate of Michael Jordan's during Jordan's brief stint with the Tar Heels as a freshman in 1981-82. Montross has said that he learned a lot from Jordan during their time together and that Jordan's work ethic and dedication to the game of basketball were an inspiration to him.
Montross is a philanthropist and has been involved with a number of charitable organizations throughout his career. He has worked with groups like the Make-A-Wish Foundation, the V Foundation for Cancer Research, and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, among others.
Montross is a member of the advisory board for Athlete Ally, an organization that works to promote LGBTQ inclusion in sports. He has spoken out in support of the organization's mission and has been an advocate for diversity and inclusivity in sports throughout his career.
Montross has been involved in coaching and player development since retiring from the NBA. He has worked with players at all levels, from youth basketball to the professional ranks, and has helped to develop the skills and talents of some of the game's top young stars.
Montross is a frequent speaker and presenter on a variety of topics, including leadership, teamwork, and goal-setting. He has spoken at conferences and events all over the world and has inspired countless individuals with his message of hard work, dedication, and perseverance.
Montross is a proud father of four children and has said that his family is his top priority. He has spoken about the joys and challenges of balancing a busy professional life with the responsibilities of being a parent and has emphasized the importance of being present and engaged with one's family.