Ali Farokmanesh is probably the most popular dude in Waterloo, Iowa these days following his sharpshooting versus UNLV and Kansas, but I’d say he still gets a lot of hassle when he tries to get on a plane. With Northern Iowa’s crusade continuing tonight against Michigan State, and given the dearth of great white American basketball players with Muslim sounding names, we couldn’t help but wonder about his unique heritage.
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From his WSU bio:
Born in Burojerd, Iran, Farokhmanesh, known as Farokh, graduated from Pahlavi High School where he played volleyball for four years. His prep team won the state championship three times during his career. He went on to Teacher Training College in Tehran, Iran, and graduated in 1972 with a bachelors of arts degree in physical education. While in college, Farokh played on the men’s volleyball team that won the collegiate championship two years. He was honored all four years with all-star recognition.
He played on and was the captain of the Iranian National Team for seven years, competing internationally including teams from Russia and China.
Farokh’s coaching career began with three years at Esfahan High School and another three years with the Iranair Club team.
In 1977, Farokh came to the United States and in 1979 earned his masters degree in physical education at Western Illinois University in Macomb, Ill. The following year he was drafted by the New Mexico franchise of the men’s professional volleyball league.
Continuing his education, Farokh earned his educational doctorate (EdD) in elementary school physical education in 1985 from Brigham Young University. While at BYU, he was a player and coach on the men’s volleyball club team for three seasons.
We like that he calls himself a doctor even though he only has a PhD in gym teaching. He married Cindy Fredrick, who he met at a volleyball camp and they had one son, Ali, who is now lighting up the NCAA Tournament. All the best to Ali tonight as Northern Iowa look to continue their unlikely run at the Final Four.
