Ali Farokhmanesh has officially been promoted to head coach of the Colorado State men's basketball team, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the Rams. The announcement came on March 26, 2025, just two days after former head coach Niko Medved departed for the University of Minnesota. Farokhmanesh, who has been an integral part of the CSU coaching staff for the past seven seasons, was seen as the natural choice to lead the program forward.
In a statement following his promotion, Athletic Director John Weber expressed his enthusiasm, saying, "I am thrilled that Ali will continue leading our men's basketball program, now as head coach. Ali has a relentless attitude that he attacks each day with, which was important to us as we looked for the next leader of our men’s basketball program. His ability to connect with people has made him successful throughout his career, and I look forward to Ali continuing to be part of the CSU community and building on the championship foundation he has helped lay over the past seven seasons."
Farokhmanesh is no stranger to the spotlight. He gained national fame during the 2010 NCAA tournament when he played for Northern Iowa. As a senior, he hit a crucial three-pointer with 34 seconds left in a shocking upset against Kansas, leading his team to a 69-67 victory. This moment not only etched his name in March Madness lore but also showcased his talent on a national stage, scoring a team-high 16 points in that game.
After a successful collegiate career, Farokhmanesh transitioned to professional basketball, playing overseas in Switzerland, Austria, and the Netherlands for four years. Upon returning to the United States, he began his coaching career in 2014 as a graduate assistant at Nebraska. He then joined Medved at Drake in 2017, eventually following him to Colorado State in 2018.
During his tenure as an assistant coach at CSU, Farokhmanesh played a pivotal role in the Rams' success. Under his guidance, the team made three NCAA tournament appearances and won the Mountain West Conference championship, their first in 22 years. This past season, the Rams finished with a commendable 26-10 record, showcasing their competitive edge in college basketball.
Farokhmanesh's promotion comes at a crucial time as the Rams prepare to transition into the Pac-12 conference. His familiarity with the players and the program is expected to help maintain continuity and stability during this change. Notably, he has been instrumental in recruiting top talents, including Nique Clifford, who is projected to be a future NBA draft pick.
In his new role, Farokhmanesh will be tasked with not only continuing the team's winning tradition but also managing the potential challenges posed by the transfer portal, especially concerning key players like Kyan Evans, who has emerged as a significant asset for the Rams.
Reflecting on his journey, Farokhmanesh expressed gratitude for the opportunity, stating, "I want to thank President Amy Parsons, John Weber, Scott Sidwell, and Christina Diaz for believing in me and giving me the opportunity to be the head coach at Colorado State. Serving under Coach Medved has been a privilege, and I will forever be grateful to him for bringing me to Fort Collins. This university and state are special because of the great people. I am grateful for all who have been so welcoming and supportive of me and my family during our time here and look forward to continuing to grow those bonds in our community. I can’t wait to continue to build off the championship foundation our players have established and push it to greater heights."
As Farokhmanesh steps into his new role, the community is optimistic about what lies ahead. President Amy Parsons highlighted his contributions, stating, "We have something special happening on the court in Moby Arena, and Ali has been an integral part of building the CSU men's basketball program into the nationally prominent force that it is today. That momentum and energy will only continue to grow as he steps into the head coach role."
Farokhmanesh's coaching philosophy, which emphasizes strong interpersonal relationships with players, has already proven effective. His close connections with the team, particularly with guards like Isaiah Stevens and Clifford, have fostered an environment conducive to growth and success. As he takes on the head coaching position, many expect him to continue developing talent and leading the Rams to new heights.
The upcoming season promises to be an exciting one for Colorado State basketball fans. With Farokhmanesh at the helm, the Rams aim to build on their recent successes and further establish themselves as a force in college basketball. An introductory press conference is scheduled for March 28, 2025, at 11 a.m. inside Moby Arena, where fans and media will have the opportunity to meet the new head coach and hear his vision for the program.
As the Rams prepare for the challenges of a new season and a new conference, all eyes will be on Farokhmanesh, the player turned coach who is now tasked with leading Colorado State into a promising future.
