Audi Crooks’ Crossroads: Transfer, WNBA, or Return to Iowa State?
Audi Crooks, the dominant center for the Iowa State Cyclones, faces a pivotal offseason after a heartbreaking first-round loss to Syracuse in the 2026 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament. Despite a stellar 37-point performance – continuing her impressive tournament scoring average of 28.4 points – the Cyclones were unable to advance, leaving Crooks’ future uncertain.
The Murky Future in Ames
Following the loss, Crooks declined to comment on her plans for next season, echoing a similar response given earlier in the month. This ambiguity fuels speculation about her potential departure from Iowa State. While her ties to the state of Iowa are strong, her reluctance to commit suggests she is seriously considering other options.
Transfer Portal Beckons: A Likely Scenario
A transfer appears to be the most probable path forward for Crooks. Her exceptional statistics – averaging 25.8 points and 7.7 rebounds on 64.9% shooting this season, including four 40-point games – would make her a highly sought-after recruit. She’s a matchup nightmare, scoring 1.238 points per possession on post-ups. Teams facing her must choose between being dominated in the post or conceding open three-point opportunities.
The expanded transfer portal landscape, coupled with the growing importance of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals, could provide Crooks with lucrative opportunities at programs with greater national visibility and resources.
WNBA Dreams: A Realistic, Though Distant, Prospect
Crooks is eligible for the 2026 WNBA Draft, as she will turn 22 on December 13th. Though, she has expressed a desire to finish her college education, making immediate entry into the draft less likely.
Her unique skillset presents a challenge for WNBA scouts. While incredibly skilled and physically dominant, her 6-foot-3 height is considered undersized for a traditional center, and her athleticism is a concern. The modern WNBA emphasizes perimeter play, with only one team averaging over 10 post-up possessions per game in the previous season. Despite these concerns, her talent will likely earn her a chance, especially with the league’s expansion to 18 teams by 2030 and the introduction of new developmental player spots.
What Makes Audi Crooks Unique?
Crooks is a truly unique player. She’s one of the most skilled post players college basketball has seen, but doesn’t neatly fit into conventional player archetypes. This makes projecting her professional success difficult, but also makes her an intriguing prospect.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Audi Crooks’ current college eligibility?
- Has Audi Crooks declared for the WNBA Draft?
- What are Audi Crooks’ key statistics?
Audi Crooks has one season of collegiate eligibility remaining.
No, Audi Crooks has not declared for the 2026 WNBA Draft, and has stated she wants to finish college.
In the 2025-2026 season, Audi Crooks averaged 25.8 points and 7.7 rebounds on 64.9% shooting.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on Audi Crooks’ social media and official announcements for updates on her decision. The transfer portal window opens soon, and her choice will significantly impact the landscape of women’s college basketball.
Did you know? Audi Crooks also excelled in track and field, winning four state titles, including three consecutive shot put championships.
Stay tuned for further updates on Audi Crooks’ future. Explore more coverage of women’s college basketball and the WNBA Draft on our site. Don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news and analysis!
