A Major Shift in College Basketball
One of the most prominent figures in women’s college basketball is officially exploring new horizons. According to reports from ESPN, Iowa State star Audi Crooks, who currently sits at second place in the national scoring rankings, is preparing to enter the transfer portal.
An Elite Collegiate Career
The 21-year-old athlete has been a cornerstone for the Cyclones, leading the Big 12 conference this past season in both field-goal percentage and scoring output. Her individual excellence earned her All-American status for the second consecutive year.
During her dominant junior campaign, Crooks maintained impressive statistics:
- Points per game: 25.8
- Rebounds per game: 7.7
The Challenges at Iowa State
Despite Crooks’ individual brilliance, the team struggled to find postseason success. After a promising 14-0 start to the season, the Cyclones stumbled, finishing with an 8-10 record in their final eighteen games. This late-season slide culminated in a disappointing first-round exit from the NCAA tournament, where the No. 8 seeded Cyclones fell to No. 9 seed Syracuse. These team-wide struggles are believed to be a contributing factor to her decision to seek a transfer.
Looking Toward the Future
Crooks has demonstrated consistent improvement throughout her tenure in college basketball:
«After averaging 19.2 points as a freshman and 23.4 as a sophomore, her progression to 25.8 points this year cements her status as one of the most lethal offensive threats in the country.»
While she will turn 22 in December and is technically eligible for the 2026 WNBA Draft, current indications suggest she intends to return for another collegiate season. By opting for a transfer and a strong senior campaign, she could solidify her position as a high-value prospect for the 2027 WNBA Draft, with many experts projecting her as a potential first-round selection.