Audi Crooks, Iowa State's dominant junior center, has been dubbed 'Baby Shaq' for her unparalleled post-play and scoring prowess, setting records and drawing comparisons to basketball legends. Despite her individual brilliance, the Cyclones have faced recent team struggles and Crooks has encountered criticism regarding her defense and physique, challenging her path to a deep tournament run and a lasting legacy.
Audi Crooks, a junior center for Iowa State, is emerging as a major force in college basketball, drawing comparisons to Caitlin Clark as another Iowa sensation, but with a unique 'velveteen giant' post-play style. Standing 6ft 3in, Crooks dominates the paint with both touch and brute force, averaging over 25 points per game with two-thirds field goal efficiency, making her virtually unguardable. She has shattered school records, including a 43-point performance in 20 minutes and a 47-point game against Indiana, and secured her first victory against rival Iowa with a clutch 30-point effort. Born to high school basketball legends, Crooks wears No. 55 in honor of her parents, especially her late father, who was a significant inspiration. Despite her individual brilliance, which includes a 40-point NCAA Tournament debut, Iowa State's season has seen a dramatic shift. After a 14-0 start, the Cyclones experienced a significant slump, losing five straight and exiting the Big 12 tournament in the first round. This downturn, partly attributed to a key injury and an easy early schedule, led to increased scrutiny on Crooks's defensive effort and physique. Unfazed by online criticism, Crooks asserts that her body enables her on-court success. As she aims to carve out her own legacy and lead Iowa State to a deep tournament run, her inner strength and unique skills will be crucial against a formidable field, proving that the 'basketball gods' favor the bold.
