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
With March Madness here, UNC Basketball searches for one last push for successThe Tar Heels are now heading toward Selection Sunday having lost their final two basketball games and with no guarantee beyond the next one. "Now...
Sun Mar 15, 2026Video: Locked On Tar Heels - No. 6 seed? UNC Basketball Selection Sunday Primer
Where does UNC Basketball stand ahead of Selection Sunday? Unlike last year, we know the Tar Heels will be in the tournament. The question this...
Sun Mar 15, 2026
Consensus bracket projections have UNC Basketball as 6 seed, beginning play in Oklahoma City
UNC Basketball appears destined for a No. 6 seed, beginning play in Oklahoma City, when the NCAA Tournament committee reveals the bracket at 6 p.m...
Sun Mar 15, 2026
Where UNC Basketball stands in March Madness bracket predictions
UNC Men's Basketball is projected to be a No. 6 seed in the 2026 NCAA Tournament, but it's unclear where the Tar Heels will start...
Sun Mar 15, 2026