In a move that sends seismic tremors through the bedrock of women’s college basketball, Iowa State’s phenomenal center, Audi Crooks, has declared her intention to enter the transfer portal for her final year of collegiate eligibility. This isn’t just another name in the ever-churning portal; this is a nuclear-level event. Crooks, a 6-foot-3 force of nature from Algona, Iowa, isn’t just a star; she’s a national phenomenon, a dominant post presence whose departure immediately makes her the most coveted talent on the market and forever alters the championship aspirations of numerous programs across the country.
The announcement came via social media on Thursday, a direct message to Cyclone Nation that, while heartfelt, confirmed the fears that have gnawed at the Iowa State faithful. “Thank you all for embracing me and showing up to Hilton every single game day,” Crooks penned, a testament to the bond she forged with the fanbase. “I’ve met so many of you out in the community, and I will cherish all of the genuine connections that I’ve built during my time at Iowa State.”
But it was the next line that resonated with the cold, hard reality of modern collegiate athletics: “I still believe the grass is greener where you water it, and I’ve done that here. It’s why I want you to hear from me directly that I have decided to enter the portal and explore what it means to take root again in new ground.” “Greener where you water it” – a poignant, almost poetic justification for a decision that will undoubtedly reshape the national landscape. For a player of Crooks’ caliber, “watering” her talent now means seeking fertile ground where championship aspirations and perhaps increased NIL opportunities can truly blossom.
Crooks’ junior season was nothing short of spectacular, a statistical masterclass that cemented her status as one of the game’s elite. She finished second in the nation in scoring, pouring in an astounding 25.8 points per game, complemented by 7.7 rebounds. Her efficiency was equally breathtaking, shooting a staggering 64.9% from the field – a testament to her unstoppable post moves, soft touch, and relentless aggression in the paint. Her individual brilliance earned her well-deserved accolades, including Associated Press and USBWA second-team All-American honors, and a spot on the prestigious Wooden Award All-America Team.
Speculation surrounding Crooks’ future had been brewing for weeks, reaching a fever pitch after she notably sidestepped a direct question from ESPN in March about whether she intended to finish her collegiate career in Ames. Her silence then spoke volumes, and now, the answer has been delivered with the force of one of her signature power moves in the lane. Her departure is not an isolated incident for the Cyclones; she joins nine other Iowa State players who have entered the portal, signaling a significant roster overhaul and perhaps deeper structural issues within the program following a season that promised so much.
Iowa State, a preseason top-15 team, ultimately finished with a 22-10 record, earning an 8-seed in the NCAA Tournament. Their season ended with a disappointing first-round exit at the hands of No. 9 seed Syracuse. While the team’s overall performance left much to be desired, Crooks’ individual effort in that game was a microcosm of her season: a singular, transcendent display of talent battling against a tide that ultimately proved too strong.
Game Highlights: Syracuse Showdown – A Solo Masterpiece
The NCAA Tournament first-round clash against Syracuse was a cruel twist of fate for Audi Crooks, but for those who witnessed it, it was an undeniable testament to her unparalleled skill and competitive fire. As the Cyclones faltered around her, Crooks elevated her game to stratospheric levels, delivering a performance that will be etched into the tournament’s history books as one of the most dominant individual efforts in a losing cause. She erupted for an astounding 37 points, carrying the offensive load almost single-handedly.
From the opening tip, Crooks was a force, carving out space in the paint with her powerful frame, demanding the ball, and then delivering with an array of polished post moves. Her drop steps were swift and decisive, leaving defenders sprawling. Her up-and-unders were executed with a veteran’s guile, drawing fouls or converting easy buckets. Every time Syracuse thought they had an answer, Crooks found another way to score – a powerful seal and layup, a contested hook shot that arced perfectly over outstretched arms, an offensive rebound put-back that defied gravity. She absorbed contact, finishing through it with an unflappable focus, demonstrating why she was one of the nation’s most efficient scorers. It was a clinic in interior scoring, a one-woman show of sheer will and skill. Despite her Herculean effort, the collective struggle of her teammates meant that even 37 points weren’t enough to push Iowa State past the finish line. It was a heartbreaking end to the season, but a performance that unequivocally screamed, “I am a superstar.”
The Portal’s Crown Jewel: What’s Next for Crooks?
Audi Crooks entering the portal isn’t just a transaction; it’s a monumental shift in power. Her decision will undoubtedly ignite a frantic bidding war among the nation’s elite programs. Any team with championship aspirations and a need for a dominant, proven interior presence will be vying for her services. Considerations will be multifaceted: a program’s ability to contend for a national title immediately, the presence of a strong supporting cast, a coach who can further develop her game, and, increasingly, a robust Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) collective that can offer substantial opportunities.
For Iowa State, the loss is immeasurable. Crooks was the undisputed focal point of their offense, a magnetic draw for fans, and a symbol of their program’s potential. Rebuilding without her will be a daunting task for Coach Bill Fennelly.
Prediction: Where Will Audi Crooks Land?
The rumor mill will churn with every major program imaginable, but a player of Crooks’ caliber isn’t just looking for any team; she’s looking for a perfect fit to maximize her final year. I predict Audi Crooks will commit to an established powerhouse with a clear path to a deep NCAA Tournament run and significant NIL opportunities. Given the landscape, look for her to ultimately choose **LSU**. Kim Mulkey’s program has a history of attracting and developing elite post talent, boasts a passionate fanbase, and operates within a robust NIL ecosystem. A dominant center like Crooks, paired with their guard play, could immediately elevate them back to national championship contention. She would provide the Tigers with an unstoppable interior presence, a go-to scorer, and the kind of star power that defines championship teams. The thought of Crooks battling in the SEC is a tantalizing prospect for women’s basketball fans everywhere.