Audi Crooks, the Iowa State women’s basketball star, is entering the transfer portal for her final year of collegiate eligibility. She made the announcement via social media on Thursday. Crooks has become one of the most prominent figures in women’s college basketball. She is the biggest name to enter the transfer portal to date.
Crooks’s Impressive Season
The 6-foot-3 junior from Algona, Iowa, finished second in the nation in scoring this year. She established herself as one of the country’s most dominant post players. Crooks averaged 25.8 points and 7.7 rebounds per game. She also shot 64.9% from the floor as a junior.
A Message to Cyclone Nation
Crooks addressed Cyclone Nation in a social media post. “Thank you all for embracing me and showing up to Hilton every single game day,” she wrote. “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.”
Crooks added, “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.”
All-American Recognition and Portal Entry
Crooks was recently named an Associated Press and USBWA second-team All-American. She was also named to the Wooden Award All-America Team. Crooks joins nine other Cyclones in entering the portal.
Speculation and Future Plans
Speculation about Crooks’ future at Iowa State had been circulating. In March, when asked by ESPN whether she intended to finish her collegiate career at Iowa State, she did not answer. She was eligible to declare for the 2026 WNBA draft but confirmed she wished to remain in college for a fourth season.
Iowa State’s Season
Iowa State, a preseason top-15 team, went 22-10 this year. They were a No. 8 seed in the NCAA tournament. Their season ended with a first-round loss to No. 9 seed Syracuse, despite Crooks scoring 37 points.
Crooks’s Tournament Performance
Crooks went off for 37 points as Iowa State bowed out of the NCAA women’s tournament vs. Syracuse.