Photo gallery: Take a look back at Tobacco Road basketball action in NC through the years
Scott Sharpe
We dug deep into the archives of The News & Observer and the The Herald-Sun for photos from the 1950s, ’60s and ’70s to show the atmosphere along what’s known in college basketball as Tobacco Road.
The Big Four ACC schools — North Carolina, N.C. State, Duke and Wake Forest — once had huge basketball influence.
Now, like the tobacco crop itself, some say their biggest days seem to be in the past.
Dick Groat receives congratulations after breaking Duke’s scoring record, by scoring 48 points against North Carolina on February 29, 1952.
Dick Groat receives congratulations after breaking Duke’s scoring record, by scoring 48 points against Carolina, on February 29, 1952.
Duke Coach Jerry Gerard with players in locker room following the Duke Maryland basketball game of January 4, 1945.
UNC’s Lennie Rosenbluth shoots over Wake Forest during action in the 1957 ACC Tournament in a smoky Reynolds Coliseum.
Wake Forest coach Bones McKinney during 1957 ACC Tournament
Frank McGuire on the UNC bench during 1957 ACC Tournament.
Lennie Rosenbluth shoots over a Wake Forest player during the 1957 ACC Tournament.
Coach Frank McGuire celebrates with members of the North Carolina team that went 32-0 in 1957.
An assistant coach lights up a cigar on the bench (right) as Clemson coach Press Maravich works his trademark towel during a game in the 1957 ACC Tournament in Reynolds Coliseum.
Duke coach Vic Bubas gives instructions to his team during the NC State vs. Duke, January 7, 1963 at Duke.
Everett Case, center, is lifted aloft by players and fans following the Wolfpack’s 1965 ACC Tournament title win.
Young basketball fans cheer for UNC and Duke in the1972 ACC Tournament in Greensboro.
UNC coach Dean Smith (right) gives instructions to his players including Charlie Scott (center) during a game in the 1969 ACC Tournament.
UNC players celebrate with coach Dean Smith after winning the 1972 ACC Tournament Championship game in Greensboro.
NC State’s Tommy Burleson drives to the basket against the defense of UNC’s Bob McAdoo during a game in Reynolds Coliseum in Raleigh, NC March 4, 1972.
A Wolfpack cheerleader in action on the sidelines during a 1974 game.
NC State’s David Thompson shoots over UNC’s Bobby Jones in action in Reynolds Coliseum in Raleigh, NC Feb. 26, 1974.
NC State players celebrate with the ACC Tournament championship trophy after their win in 1974.
Phil Ford celebrates the Tar Heels’ win in the championship game of the 1975 ACC Tournament.
UNC’s Walter Davis cuts down the nets after the Tar Heels defeated NC State to win the 1975 ACC Tournament championship game.
