Iowa State women’s basketball is losing one of the best post players in the country, who just happens to be one of the most popular players in the nation.
Cyclones star Audi Crooks announced on Thursday, April 2, that she is leaving Iowa State after three seasons and entering the transfer portal. Crooks will have one season of eligibility remaining.
“Thank you all for embracing me and showing up to Hilton every single game day,” Crooks posted on social media. “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.
“Words cannot fully express how grateful I feel to have called this place home. I want to thank my teammates for their friendship and all the great memories.
“To my coaches and all the Iowa State staff, thank you for always supporting me.
“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 it directly from me that I have decided to enter the transfer portal and explore what it means to take root again in new ground.”
Her departure is a huge loss as Iowa State is losing a charismatic star who blossomed into a dominant scorer upon arriving in Ames.
Crooks, a 6-foot-3 center, started 95 of the 99 games she played at Iowa State and was the team’s primary offensive weapon for three seasons. She used strength and skill to average 22.8 points and 7.7 rebounds per game with the Cyclones.
The Algona native was also one of the most efficient players in the country, shooting 61% from the field during her time with the Cyclones.
Crooks’ success on the court wasn’t the only thing that made her a star.
College basketball fans were drawn to her swagger, smile and positive energy. Those traits made Crooks a popular personality even before she got to college.
A star at Bishop Garrigan High School, Crooks poured in an all-class state tournament record 49 points to help her team to the second of two state titles. She also starred as a volleyball player and was a state champion in the shot put.
Crooks was ranked No. 57 on the 2023 HoopGurlz Recruiting espnW 100. Landing at Iowa State was a huge get for Bill Fennelly and his staff.
She quickly delivered, earning a starting spot early in her freshman season. Crooks guided Iowa State to an appearance in the Big 12 Tournament title game that first season. The Cyclones also won their NCAA Tournament first-round game.
That was as close as Iowa State got to greatness during Crooks’ tenure with the Cyclones, as Fennelly’s team lost in the first round of the NCAA Tournament the next two seasons. Iowa State won one game as a First Four team last season.
Crooks, though, continued to put up monster numbers, breaking Iowa State’s single-game scoring mark twice during her junior year. She tallied 43 points in a win against Valparaiso and 47 during a victory over Indiana.
The success earned Crooks a trio of All-American honors from The Associated Press, The Sporting News and USBWA this season. Crooks was also named the Big 12’s preseason player of the year.
Her talent and charisma made Crooks the subject of transfer speculation ever since she got to Iowa State.
Now Crooks has opted to search for another school for her final season. The decision isn’t a complete surprise. After Iowa State’s season-ending loss to Syracuse in the first round of the NCAA Tournament, Crooks declined to say if she was coming back for another season with the Cyclones.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Iowa State women’s basketball star Audi Crooks enters transfer portal
Reporting by Tommy Birch, Des Moines Register / Des Moines Register
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
