Audi Crooks: player overview
Audi Crooks height and weight
Standing at an impressive 6’3″, Audi Crooks possesses the ideal physical stature for a dominant center in women’s basketball. Her height is a significant asset, allowing her to effectively compete for rebounds, protect the paint, and score close to the basket. While specific weight figures are not publicly disclosed, her physical presence on the court is undeniable, contributing to her effectiveness as a low-post threat for the Iowa State Cyclones. Her build, combined with her skill set, makes her a formidable opponent for any team in the conference.
Key player stats
Audi Crooks has rapidly established herself as a standout player in college basketball, showcasing remarkable offensive prowess. In the 2024-25 season, she set new Iowa State single-season records for both scoring and made field goals, amassing an incredible 820 points and 329 successful shots. This stellar performance also saw her lead the entire Big 12 Conference in scoring, averaging an outstanding 23.4 points per game. Her offensive impact is further underscored by her being the third-fastest player in her graduating class to reach the prestigious milestone of 1,000 career points at a single institution. As a freshman, she already set the program’s single-season freshman scoring record with 635 points and the single-season record for field goals made with 158. These statistics highlight her consistent and high-level production from the outset of her college career.
Career highlights and achievements
College career milestones
Audi Crooks’ college career is already adorned with numerous significant achievements, marking her as one of the most impactful players in recent NCAA history. A defining moment came during the NCAA tournament when she etched her name in the record books by setting a new single-game NCAA tournament record for freshmen, erupting for 40 points against Maryland. Her consistent excellence has been recognized by multiple accolades, including being named a three-time First Team All-Big 12 selection, a testament to her sustained dominance within one of the nation’s toughest conferences. As a freshman, she earned an honorable mention All-American nod from the Associated Press, a rare feat for a first-year player. Furthermore, her remarkable performance throughout the season has resulted in her being named Preseason Big 12 Player of the Year for the upcoming 2026 season, signaling her continued ascent. She has also been a repeat recipient of multiple Big 12 Player of the Week and Freshman of the Week awards, underscoring her weekly impact.
High school dominance
Before making waves at the collegiate level, Audi Crooks was a dominant force throughout her high school career. She established multiple state records in Iowa high school basketball, including achievements in tournament points and rebounds, showcasing her all-around game and scoring ability from an early age. Her exceptional talent was recognized when she was named Iowa Miss Basketball in 2023, a prestigious award highlighting the top female basketball player in the state. Beyond the hardwood, Crooks also demonstrated remarkable athletic versatility, excelling in track and field. She captured state titles in both the shot put and discus, demonstrating a powerful and athletic frame that translates effectively to her basketball endeavors. This multi-sport background undoubtedly contributed to her physical development and competitive spirit.
Audi Crooks: the Iowa State star
Impact on the team
Audi Crooks has become the undeniable centerpiece of the Iowa State Cyclones women’s basketball program. Her scoring ability, rebounding prowess, and overall presence in the paint have transformed the team’s offensive and defensive capabilities. She consistently draws significant defensive attention, creating opportunities for her teammates and elevating their play. Her leadership on the court, coupled with her record-breaking performances, has instilled a new level of confidence and ambition within the team. Opposing defenses are forced to adjust their strategies significantly to account for her, often resorting to increased physicality, a testament to her disruptive impact. Her commitment to Iowa State on April 14, 2022, marked the beginning of a new era for the Cyclones, one defined by her remarkable talent and winning mentality.
Recruiting and future outlook
Audi Crooks’ commitment to Iowa State was a significant moment in the recruiting landscape, signaling her belief in the program’s potential. Her decision to join the Cyclones was driven by a desire to contribute to a team that could compete at the highest level. Looking ahead, the future for Audi Crooks and the Iowa State Cyclones appears exceptionally bright. With her continued development and the potential for further team acquisitions, the program is poised for sustained success in the Big 12 Conference and beyond. Her preseason Big 12 Player of the Year selection for 2026 further solidifies her status as a future star and a key figure in the ongoing narrative of women’s college basketball.
Personal insights
Family athletic background
The athletic prowess displayed by Audi Crooks is deeply rooted in her family’s sporting heritage. Her father, Jimmie Crooks, was a college basketball player at Minnesota State, providing an early connection to the sport and a foundation of athletic understanding. Her mother, Michelle Cook, also has a strong basketball background, having played at Bishop Garrigan. This familial legacy of athleticism has undoubtedly influenced Audi’s passion and dedication to the game. Notably, she honors her parents’ athletic past by wearing their former jersey number, 55, a symbolic connection that underscores the importance of her family in her journey. This shared athletic history creates a unique and supportive environment for her burgeoning career.
Addressing weight criticism
Audi Crooks has faced unwarranted criticism and mockery regarding her weight, particularly during high-profile games like those in the NCAA Tournament. Despite these negative comments, Crooks has consistently demonstrated remarkable poise and resilience. She has openly stated that such remarks do not affect her performance on the court and that the positive support she receives far outweighs the negativity. Her focus remains firmly on her game, her team, and her achievements. This mature approach to adversity highlights her mental fortitude and her commitment to excelling in her sport, proving that her talent and dedication are the true measures of her success, not external judgments about her physical appearance.
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