Iowa State women's basketball sensation, Audi Crooks, has declared her intention to enter the transfer portal, seeking a new team for her final year of collegiate competition. As a junior center, Crooks showcased exceptional talent this season, finishing second nationally in scoring with an impressive 25.8 points per game. Her decision to transfer, announced via Instagram, sparks widespread speculation regarding her future destination, particularly given the departure of several other key players from the Cyclones' roster.
A native of Algona, Iowa, the 6-foot-3 center first gained national recognition during the 2024 NCAA Tournament, where she delivered a remarkable 40-point performance in a first-round victory. Throughout the current season, Crooks demonstrated her scoring prowess by achieving 40 points or more in four different games. Her tenure at Iowa State has solidified her reputation as one of the country's most effective interior scorers, consistently navigating through defenses with skillful post moves and precision finishes. Her career field goal percentage of 61.1% places her fifth all-time in Big 12 women's basketball history, and her average of 22.8 points per game is second only to Texas Tech's Alicia Thompson in the conference's historical records.
Despite her individual brilliance, Crooks' teams at Iowa State have faced challenges in postseason play. Over her three seasons under Coach Bill Fennelly, the Cyclones have yet to advance past the first weekend of the NCAA Tournament, despite Crooks being one of the sport's most recognizable figures. This season, Iowa State began with a strong 14-0 record but faltered to an 8-10 finish. Their NCAA Tournament journey ended in the first round against Syracuse, despite Crooks' 37-point effort.
Crooks is not alone in her decision to explore new opportunities; fellow starters Jada Williams and Addy Brown are also among the ten Cyclones who have announced their departure via the transfer portal, which officially opened on April 6th, the day after the national championship game. Crooks stands out as arguably the most sought-after player in the portal, making her next move a significant topic of discussion.
Speculation abounds regarding Crooks' potential new home. The Oklahoma Sooners are a prominent contender, especially needing a strong post presence after Raegan Beers' graduation. A pairing of Crooks and point guard Aaliyah Chavez could create an unparalleled duo. Notably, Oklahoma's head coach, Jennie Baranczyk, served as an assistant with Team USA alongside Crooks on the AmeriCup team, and both share Iowa roots.
Notre Dame also emerges as a strong possibility. Imagine the formidable combination of Crooks with Hannah Hidalgo, who led Notre Dame to its first Elite Eight appearance this season. Adding a talent like Crooks could be the catalyst to propel the Fighting Irish back into Final Four contention and championship aspirations. Maryland offers another compelling option, particularly for Crooks' professional development. Coach Brenda Frese has a proven track record of nurturing post players who excel in the WNBA, including stars like Brionna Jones, Shakira Austin, and Angel Reese, which could significantly boost Crooks' WNBA draft prospects.
A move to Iowa would generate immense excitement, as Crooks transitioning from a Cyclones to a Hawkeyes jersey would be a major storyline. Partnering with Ava Heiden in the paint could establish one of the nation's premier front lines, complemented by point guard Chit-Chat Wright. Like Frese, Iowa's Jan Jensen is renowned for maximizing the potential of her post players. Finally, North Carolina presents an intriguing destination. The Tar Heels have made back-to-back Sweet 16 appearances and boast a strong, guard-heavy roster. With Nyla Harris graduating, Coach Courtney Banghart is in need of a reliable post scorer. Integrating Crooks with talents like Elina Aarnisalo, Nyla Brooks, and top-five recruit Kate Harpring could ignite one of Chapel Hill's most explosive offenses.
The future of Audi Crooks' collegiate basketball career is a hot topic, with numerous elite programs vying for her talents. Her decision will undoubtedly reshape the landscape of women's college basketball, as she brings a potent combination of scoring ability and interior dominance to her next team. Fans and analysts eagerly await her choice, anticipating the impact she will make in her final season.
