How a former Hawkeye basketball star became an overseas celebrity

When a business trip took me to Australia recently, I jumped at the chance to see my former Iowa basketball teammate and good friend Steve Carfino.

Sitting at a bustling outdoor cafe besides the breathtaking Sydney Opera House, Steve recounted his remarkable journey from all-Big Ten guard to becoming a television icon and the face of Australian basketball.

Carfino arrived in Iowa City the autumn following Iowa’s 1980 Final Four run and quickly filled the void of fan favorite left by the graduation of Ronnie Lester. Carfino was exotic. He came from Southern California with a big afro and a killer smile. He was a dynamic athlete who had an engaging personality and infectious charm.