When Timo Makkonen played, UNC was smokin'

Posted Mar 11, 2010
Back when smoking was allowed in sports arenas, coach Red Auerbach signaled to Boston Celtics fans late in a game that a victory was in hand by smoking a cigar. At North Carolina in the early '80s, coach Dean Smith had his version of a victory cigar. About the time the pep band began playing the victory song during games in the 1982, 1983 and 1984 seasons, Smith sent Timo Makkonen, a 6-foot-10 center from Finland, onto the Carmichael Auditorium court. (Charlotte Observer)

Related: Basketball, Basketball Recruiting

Antawn Jamison is all class
Visiting professor Antawn Jamison’s smile and laughter gave away the subject of guest speaker Steve Kirschner’s story. As the longtime Carolina men’s basketball sports information...
Fri Sep 25, 2026

Video: IC Podcast - New Roles, New Expectations for UNC Basketball Veterans
UNC Basketball veterans Isaiah Denis, Jarin Stevenson and Jaydon Young met with the media Thursday, sharing their early experiences with new coach Michael Malone and...
Fri Sep 25, 2026

Michael Jordan Helps Morehouse College Open State Of The Art Multi-Media Center
Michael Jordan is known for his legendary dunks and famous Nike kicks. Now, he's also the latest celebrity philanthropist to pour into HBCUs. On Wednesday,...
Fri Sep 25, 2026

Finding the fire: Jarin Stevenson’s quiet path to being vocal leader
Jarin Stevenson is a quiet young man with a pleasant personality off the court. During Thursday’s press conference at the Smith Center, the 6-10 forward...
Fri Sep 25, 2026