The University of North Carolina Tar Heels and North Carolina State Wolfpack are set to meet on December 15, 2024, at the Greensboro Coliseum for the inaugural Tobacco Road Classic, a nonconference showdown that revives a rivalry that has been dormant for 77 years.
A Historic Reunion in Greensboro
Legendary alumni Phil Ford and Dereck Whittenburg, both icons of their respective programs, have taken the opportunity to reflect on the deep‑rooted history of the ACC rivalry, sharing personal memories that stretch back to the 1980s.
Greensboro holds a special place in the narrative, having hosted the ACC’s founding in 1953 and serving as the site of the 1974 national championship game for NC State, a moment that still resonates with fans of both schools.
Ford, whose No. 12 jersey has been retired by UNC, recalls the 1983 championship run that culminated in Lorenzo Charles’ dunk after a 30‑foot pass from Whittenburg, a play that epitomized the competitive fire that defined the era.
Whittenburg, whose No. 25 jersey is retired by NC State, adds that the bond forged during that tournament remains a touchstone of mutual respect, even as the two coaches now prepare to face each other on the hardwood.
The upcoming matchup also marks a rare instance of first‑year coaches squaring off, a storyline that adds extra intrigue to a series that has seen legends like David Thompson, Monte Towe and Dean Smith shape its legacy.
Beyond the basketball arena, Ford and Whittenburg will reunite in Greensboro on September 28 for a golf tournament hosted by the Dereck Whittenburg Foundation, underscoring the enduring personal connections that transcend competition.
The event is being sponsored by Old Dominion Freight Line, a partnership that highlights the commercial support bringing the classic back to regular programming after decades of intermittent meetings.