Community rallies around UNC legend Eric Montross during battle with cancer

In a statement from the Montross family issued through the University of North Carolina, the family gave a health update on the 51-year-old Carolina All-American who will be under the care of UNC Lineberger Cancer Center for treatment.

“We are all touched by the responses our entire family has received since the news became public,” a statement from Eric, Laura, Andrew and Sarah Montross said.

After the post on Twitter, many tweeted out support for Montross and his family.

One Twitter user posted. "Get well soon, Eric; your Tar Heel family is with you — #cancersucks.

A second tweet said, "Praying for Eric and his family during this difficult battle."

Montross was a four-year player on the UNC Basketball team from 1990 to 1994. During his time at Carolina, Eric played in two Final Fours and was a 1993 NCAA National Championship team member. He was drafted ninth overall in the 1993 NBA draft by the Boston Celtics and spent 10 seasons in the NBA.

Montross helped lead the Tar Heels to an NCAA title alongside George Lynch, Donald Williams and Brian Reese.

In addition to winning a championship, Montross was a consensus All-American during his junior and senior seasons.

The Boston Celtics selected Montross ninth overall in the 1994 NBA draft. He spent eight seasons in the NBA between the Celtics, Detroit Pistons, Toronto Raptors, Dallas Mavericks, Philadelphia 76ers and the then-New Jersey Nets.