Colorado State’s Unsung Star Off the Court
The most notable figure on the Colorado State sideline won’t be playing on Friday. You won’t find his name listed on the team roster or in any box scores this season.
An Iconic Shot 15 Years Ago
This notable individual is an assistant coach from Pullman, a lifelong fan of the Cougars, and the man who made one of the most iconic shots in NCAA tournament history. Exactly 15 years ago, in the Round of 32, ninth-seeded Northern Iowa was barely leading the No. 1 seed Kansas by one point with 35 seconds on the clock. It was then that Ali Farokhmanesh—the aforementioned assistant coach—made a three-pointer during a fast break, extending the lead to four and practically ensuring the victory.
The Upset That Changed Everything
Northern Iowa triumphed over Kansas with a score of 69-67, marking one of the biggest upsets of the tournament and taking the school to its first and only Sweet 16. How does Farokhmanesh reflect on that moment nearly a decade and a half later? “I feel older, especially when you say 15 years,” he grinned. “But I think that’s what March Madness is about. Everyone gets the chance to compete and prove themselves. That’s the beauty of the tournament.”
From Hopes to Reality
Farokhmanesh, like many passionate basketball players, imagined hitting a legendary shot during the tournament one day. However, his dreams didn’t involve Northern Iowa, considering his mother was the volleyball coach at Washington State and his father assisted her. He aspired to wear the Crimson and Gray colors.
A New Path in the Midwest
When Ali turned 15, his mother took a job as Iowa’s women’s volleyball coach, and his family moved Midwest. By 2008, after two years of junior college basketball, Northern Iowa chose him—not WSU. This switch ended up being a significant turning point for him.
Legacy and Influence
Following his key role in sending the Panthers to the Sweet 16, Farokhmanesh earned legendary status in Cedar Falls. Each March, remembrances of that dramatic three-point shot emerge. Five years ago, Ali humorously recreated the shot with his wife and three children in a video, highlighted by the tears of his 2-year-old son wearing a Kansas jersey. However, he rarely discusses that moment with Colorado State’s players unless they bring it up first.
Impact on the Current Team
Senior guard Nique Clifford revealed, “I didn’t really know about that shot until I met Ali in high school. He loves to show that he’s a legend, always sharing clips online.” Point guard Kyan Evans, hailing from Kansas City, was already aware of Farokhmanesh’s heroics before recruitment. “We even ask him why he thought it was a good shot,” Evans said, emphasizing that if Ali makes a shot, then it’s justified. Both Clifford and Evans credit Farokhmanesh’s coaching acumen and dedication for their presence at CSU, highlighting how the NCAA tournament can change lives effectively.
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