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

Box Score: North Carolina 109, Wofford 70
View the complete box score from the North Carolina Tar Heels' 109-70 victory over the Wofford Terriers on Friday night at the Smith Center in...
Sat Nov 7, 2026

Lucas: A Big Deal
We need things that are not really a big deal to keep from obsessing over the truly big deals. To give us a reason to...
Sat Nov 7, 2026

‘Maniac’: Freshman Maximo Adams’ Confidence Impresses His UNC Teammates
After recording his first career double-double in North Carolina's 109-70 win against Wofford Friday night at the Smith Center, freshman Maximo Adams walked into the...
Sat Nov 7, 2026

Video: IC Podcast - UNC vs. Wofford Postgame Reactions
Hot shooting and a faster tempo led UNC Basketball to a 109-70 rout of the Wofford Terriers. Inside Carolina's Rob Harrington and Tommy Ashley highlight...
Sat Nov 7, 2026