The 6-year-old old came up to Eric Montross and me and said “you two are very shiny!” The young man was right, we were glistening from “broadcasting” the youth basketball game on the “Off The Mark” Sports Network, but in my mind Montross shines among big time athletes in a special way.

I met all 7-feet of Eric at the 2007 ACC Tournament in Tampa. His great accomplishments on the court at UNC and his strong showing in the NBA made me a little nervous.

When I approached him for an interview he really surprised me. “Hey Mark Roberts, my wife and I watch your traffic reports every morning, we’re big fans.”

Being a huge Tar Heel fan I thought…”Wow, I’m not worthy, but hey this will make the interview go better.”

When I called him with the strange idea of doing play by play for a children's basketball game for “Off The Mark,” he pounced on it like a rebound in the National Championship Game. He suggested the Chapel Hill/Carrboro YMCA, helped set the whole thing up, and made recommendations on how we could involve the most kids.

At the game he was mobbed by people, but had a kind word and a good dose of time for everyone. He was absolutely great when we did the show, despite his annoying play by play man.

Woody Durham has a great co-worker, UNC has a great alumni, and Eric Montross is a great American.