Chansky’s Notebook: Mr. ‘Air-Ball!’

Posted May 18, 2022
Rich Yonakor – the infamous “Chickie” of the 1977-80 Tar Heels – passed away on March 3, two days before North Carolina turned its basketball season around with the dramatic 94-81 upset at Cameron Indoor. Man, time flies. More than 43 years earlier, Yonakor inadvertently created the cheer that has stuck with basketball ever since "Air Ball! Air Ball!" (Chapelboro.com)

Related: Basketball, Basketball Recruiting

Video: IC Postgame Podcast - UNC Cold From Deep, Loses to Georgia
North Carolina's work-in-progress early season took a hit on Friday night as the Tar Heels lost to Georgia 78-70. Rob Harrington and Tommy Ashley highlight...
Sat Nov 14, 2026

UNC basketball suffers first loss of season. Observations from setback to Georgia
Georgia pulled away from North Carolina to hand Michael Malone his first loss as the Tar Heels coach, 78-70, on Friday night at the Smith...
Sat Nov 14, 2026

Video: UNC Basketball Players Post-Georgia Interviews
North Carolina guards Terrence Brown and Isaiah Denis speak with reporters following the Tar Heels' 78-70 loss to the Georgia Bulldogs on Friday night at...
Sat Nov 14, 2026

North Carolina vs. Georgia Postgame Notes
The loss snapped UNC's 21-game home winning streak and 14-game home win streak against non-ACC opponents. The Tar Heels are 13-6 all-time against Georgia. This...
Sat Nov 14, 2026