Iowa game a homecoming for former Iowa City West, UNI star

IOWA CITY - Monday night's game between Iowa and Nebraska was a chance to return for a former standout.

Ali Farokhmanesh is now a graduate assistant in Lincoln, but made his name first at Iowa City West and then at the University of Northern Iowa. There he was a part of the team that upset Kansas, hitting the game-winning three pointer that landed him on the cover of Sports Illustrated.

Now, he's in a suit instead of sweats, and trying to adjust.

'It's been a lot of fun. I'm working with a great staff, Coach Miles, I've learned a lot from these guys. It's definitely a transition, but it's been fun so far. I'm getting used to the coaching side of things,” Farokhmanesh said. 'I'm learning a lot from these guys, and it's definitely something I want to pursue. I mean it's in my blood lines. My parents are coaches. I've been growing up doing it, seeing it, watching it so it's definitely what I want to do.”

As for a possible game between the Huskers and his alma mater? He is doubtful of that happening.

'It would be fun to go to Cedar Falls. It would be fun to have them come to Lincoln some time, but I don't know if I can convince Coach Jake or Coach Miles to do that one.”

Iowa defeated Nebraska 70-59 on Monday for the Hawkeyes' first 2-0 start to conference play since the 2002-03 season.