Audi Crooks has been a significant player for Iowa State, leading in scoring and earning All-American honors. The two-time All-American and the second-leading scorer in the country this season, averaging 25.8 points per game, announced her intention to leave Iowa State and enter the transfer portal on April 2, 2026.

During her time at Iowa State, Crooks averaged 7.7 rebounds per game and led the Big 12 in scoring for two consecutive years. She scored 820 points as a sophomore, leading the nation in scoring that season. Despite her individual success, Iowa State did not make it out of the first weekend of the NCAA Tournament in any of Crooks’ three seasons.

With Crooks’ departure, she becomes the ninth member of Iowa State’s 2025-26 roster to enter the transfer portal. This leaves the team with only three players returning for the next season, significantly impacting the team’s dynamics.

Bill Fennelly, the head coach of Iowa State’s women’s basketball team, expressed his sadness over the departures, stating, “While I am sad and disappointed that some of our players have chosen to pursue other opportunities, I want to thank them for their time at Iowa State and wish them all the best as they move on.”

Jamie Pollard, the Athletic Director at Iowa State, reassured fans, saying, “Rest assured, [Fennelly] has a great plan for how he’s going to repopulate his staff in order to continue our success in men’s basketball.” This indicates that the program is looking to rebuild and adapt following these changes.

Crooks, who hails from Algona, Iowa, expressed her gratitude to the fans, stating, “Thank you all for embracing me and showing up to Hilton every single game day.” Her departure marks a significant moment for both her career and the future of Iowa State’s women’s basketball program.

As the transfer portal continues to reshape college athletics, Crooks’ decision highlights the ongoing challenges and opportunities for players seeking new environments. Observers will be watching closely to see how Iowa State responds to this loss and what steps they will take to rebuild their roster.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding the specific schools Crooks may consider for her next destination, but her talent and performance will undoubtedly attract attention from various programs across the country.

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Iowa State basketball’s journey in the NCAA Tournament has been a rollercoaster, highlighted by a recent victory over Kentucky that secured their spot in the Sweet 16. After finishing the regular season with a record of 22-10, including a 10-8 mark in the Big 12, the Cyclones faced a tough challenge in the first round against Syracuse, where they fell 72-63.

In that game, Audi Crooks delivered an impressive performance, scoring 37 points, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Syracuse, who entered the matchup with a record of 24-8. Jada Williams also contributed significantly, adding 14 points and 8 assists.

However, the Cyclones rebounded in the second round, defeating Kentucky 82-63. Iowa State led at halftime with a score of 31-30 and showcased their offensive prowess in the second half, shooting 63.3% from the field. Tamin Lipsey was a standout player, recording a double-double with 26 points and 10 assists, while he and Milan Momcilovic combined for 46 points against the Wildcats.

This victory marks Iowa State’s third Sweet 16 appearance in the last five years under head coach T.J. Otzelberger, adding to their total of eight Sweet 16 appearances in the program’s history. The Cyclones’ previous notable achievement includes a Final Four appearance in 1944, during a time when the tournament featured only eight teams.

Looking ahead, Iowa State is set to face Tennessee in the Sweet 16 on March 27, 2026. Observers are eager to see if the Cyclones can continue their momentum and make a deeper run in the tournament this year.

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