“Stay tuned”: Iowa State’s March Madness star Audi Crooks teases fans; claims there’s a lot to be shown this season
Iowa State center Audi Crooks had a solid freshman year, emerging as a key player for Bill Fennelly's team. She averaged 19.2 points and 7.8 rebounds per game last season, guiding the Cyclones to the second round of the NCAA Tournament.
During Big 12 Media Day on Ocr. 22, Crooks spoke with the media and dropped an intriguing tease for the upcoming season. She discussed her offseason preparations and suggested fans to "stay tuned," suggesting that there is a lot more to come this year.
"Back again for sophomore year. I added a lot to my bag in a mid-range game. I think there's a lot that I haven't really shown," Audi said, "that I just haven't gotten the chance to go that deep in that bag so definitely going to see a little bit more of that this season.
"That fadeaway is looking pretty okay. So we're going to bring that out, she added. "Three-point range also, we're working on that too. So stay tuned, stay tuned."
Audi Crooks' performance in the first round of March Madness in Iowa State's win against Maryland was one of the highlights of her freshman campaign. She bagged a career-high 40 points along with 12 rebounds in that game.
Audi Crooks awards and nominations are stacking up
After a breakout freshman year, Audi Crooks is now being discussed as one of the top players going into the upcoming season. She was named to the Big 12 All-Freshman Team and All-Big 12 First team for her performance.
Ahead of the 2024-25 season, the Iowa native received multiple preseason nominations for various awards. Here is the list of honors Audi Crooks has received so far.
- The Athletic Preseason Second-Team All-American
- Lisa Leslie Center of the Year watchlist
- Naismith Trophy watchlist
- Preseason All-Big 12
- Preseason AP All-America Honorable Mention
Crooks, a 6-foot-3 center, who played for Bishop Garrigan High, set multiple freshman records at Iowa State, including the most field goals, points, and free throws made in a season. Her 258 field goals was a new record for the most made by any Cyclone player in a single season.
The Cyclones are ranked No. 2 in the preseason poll in the Big 12 — only two points behind Kansas State.
"That's not what gonna fuel our engine," Audi spoke on being ranked 2nd in the poll. "Like I said our expectations in the locker room are the most important things."
Audi Crooks will begin her sophomore year against Chicago State on Nov. 4.