Iowa State Cyclones junior center Audi Crooks entered the NCAA transfer portal. The UCLA Bruins, Iowa Hawkeyes, LSU Tigers, and the Oklahoma Sooners could be potential landing spots.
Crooks averaged 25.8 PPG and 7.7 RPG for the Cyclones this season as the nation’s second-leading scorer. She had 37 points against Syracuse in a loss at the NCAA Tournament during the Round of 64.
The UCLA Bruins are a top option for Crooks. They are usually one of the best defensively sound programs that will still allow her to feast on the offensive end.
The Bruins are losing their All-American center, Lauren Betts, and their offense is built around post play. She fits the mold.
Crooks’ move to Iowa might actually force head coach Jan Jansen to put more emphasis on the offensive side of things. Having a double-threat presence would help against teams like UCLA. It helps her stay local and would improve the supporting cast. The Cyclones are in Ames, and the University of Iowa is in Iowa City.
Iowa needs shooting and athleticism. It’s very obvious what the Hawkeyes strength already is: Ava Heiden. Introducing Audi, especially at her price point, would solve neither the shooting problem nor the athleticism problem. Crooks would just overshadow and cannibalize Heiden’s production.
Crooks is a good fit for LSU because they need post players. They lack proven post production based on last season’s rotation.
The Tigers have had great post players such as Atlanta Dream power forward Angel Reese and Connecticut Sun forward Aneesah Morrow. Crooks could add to the puzzle. The Tigers stand out as one of the most natural fits given its front-court needs.
Crooks to the Oklahoma Sooners would be an interesting fit since, Head Coach Jennie Baranczyk is from Iowa and went to Dowling Catholic. Sooners center Reagan Beers graduates this year. Audi would have the opportunity to play with freshman guard Aaliyah Chavez.
Not sure if Audi to Oklahoma is a good choice because they play offense at a fast pace. Iowa State plays a slower tempo through the post.
Crooks is an extremely interesting transfer case. One of the best players in the nation but if a team recruits her, they would need to revolve their entire offense and entire defense around her.
It’s shocking that Crooks would want to transfer. She has been a superstar at Iowa State, and she has led the Big 12 in scoring the last two seasons. This creates a major challenge for Iowa State moving forward.
People love to downplay Crooks because of her weaknesses, but they would happily support her if she were on their favorite team. Let’s not act like she didn’t have many dominant performances. Whoever signs with Audi instantly becomes a potential target.
The Tigers or Bruins emerge as the strongest fits due to immediate frontcourt need and system compatibility.
If you love sports, download Stadium Rant from the Apple App Store and join one of the fastest-growing social sports communities. Be sure to follow us on socials too — you can find all our profiles on our Linktree.
