Audi Crooks: Iowa State's Velveteen Unicorn Dominates College Basketball
Iowa State's Audi Crooks has emerged as a velveteen unicorn in college basketball, presenting the most significant matchup challenge this March. As one of the sport's most captivating stars, she combines raw power with delicate touch in a throwback style that could propel the Cyclones deep into the NCAA Tournament.
A Thunderclap Talent in Iowa
The basketball gods have shown a distinct fondness for Iowa. Following Caitlin Clark's sensational scoring and cultural impact at the University of Iowa, the state's other major program, Iowa State, now boasts Audi Crooks—a force of nature in her own right. While Clark captivated audiences with deep shots and dribbling flair, Crooks commands attention from players of all sizes, showcasing a maturity beyond her years as a junior center.
Standing at 6ft 3in, Crooks anchors the paint with the poise of a velveteen giant, a rare breed of post player who triumphs through finesse as much as strength. Her game evokes memories of past legends like Troy "Escalade" Jackson, who wowed crowds with smooth moves, or DJ Burns Jr., whose traditional play led North Carolina State to the Final Four. Even Nikola Jokić, the NBA's premier big man, has expressed admiration for such throwback skills.
Unprecedented Dominance on the Court
Yet, the women's game has never witnessed a figure quite like Crooks, dubbed "Baby Shaq" by fans for her bulldozing yet graceful style. She averages over 25 points per game while converting two-thirds of her field goal attempts, an efficiency that renders her nearly unguardable. Opponents face a no-win scenario: front her in the low post, and she finishes effortlessly; defend her straight up, and she bulldozes to the hoop; push her outside, and she drains jumpers from any angle; double-team her, and she either finds open teammates or makes defenders pay dearly.
Her prowess was on full display earlier this season. Against Valparaiso, despite facing relentless defensive pressure, Crooks scored a career-high 43 points in just 20 minutes, shattering a 41-year-old school record in a 97-50 blowout. Weeks later, she dropped 47 points against Indiana, missing only eight shots combined from the field and free-throw line. Former NBA all-star Jeff Teague summed it up after a 41-point performance against Kansas, noting, "She's a monster," and sympathizing with the bruised defender tasked with guarding her.
Clutch Performances and Personal Inspiration
Crooks's clutch ability seems innate. Hailing from Algona, Iowa, a town of 5,500, she has defied scouts who overlooked her due to small-town origins. At Bishop Garrigan High, she led the Golden Bears to consecutive state titles while excelling in volleyball, track and field, and even school band. She wears No. 55 to honor her parents, both of whom wore the number, and draws inspiration from her father, who passed away in 2021 from diabetes-related complications. "He was probably the biggest influence in my life as far as basketball," she told ESPN.
In her NCAA Tournament debut two years ago, Crooks scored 40 points with just two missed shots, rallying Iowa State past Maryland in one of March Madness's greatest comebacks. As a sophomore, she broke the school's single-season scoring record, shooting 75% or better in six games. Her brilliance has made Iowa State a popular pick for a deep tournament run, though the team has yet to advance past the second round.
Seasonal Challenges and Resilience
This season, Crooks's silky play fueled a 14-0 start, positioning Iowa State as Final Four contenders and Crooks as a Naismith award frontrunner. However, the Cyclones stumbled, losing five straight games after reaching a season-high 10th place in the AP poll, finishing the regular season 22-8. A first-round exit in the Big 12 tournament added to the woes, partly due to injuries like Addy Brown's absence and criticism over a soft early schedule.
The slump exposed critiques of Crooks's defensive effort—dubbed "Halfway Crooks" by some—and unwarranted scrutiny of her physique. Despite online speculation about her size, Crooks remains unfazed. "Nobody can depreciate my play, so they come after me personally," she said. "This body has gotten me so, so far in life, and it enables me to do what I do on the court."
Legacy and Future Prospects
With Caitlin Clark now in the pros, Crooks has an opportunity to establish herself as Iowa's new standard-bearer against a tough 2026 tournament field featuring powerhouses like South Carolina, LSU, and Connecticut. Her success will hinge on seeding, mental fortitude, and that signature velvety touch. For doubters, it's worth remembering the basketball gods' penchant for favoring the boldest talents.
As March unfolds, Audi Crooks stands ready to cement her legacy, proving that her unique blend of power and finesse is not just a matchup problem but a game-changing force in college basketball.
