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Iowa State's Crooks: A New Star Rises
9 Jan
Summary
- Crooks is on pace to be NCAA's first one-point-per-minute player.
- She became Iowa State's fastest player to reach 1,000 points.
- Nicknamed 'Baby Shaq' for her dominant style of play.
Audi Crooks, a 6-foot-3 center for the Iowa State Cyclones, is capturing national attention for her exceptional college basketball performance. As of early 2026, she is projected to become the first NCAA women's player to average a point per minute during the 2025-26 season, currently scoring 29.3 points in just 26.8 minutes played. This remarkable scoring ability has drawn comparisons to NBA icon Shaquille O'Neal, earning her the moniker 'Baby Shaq.'
Her impact on the court is undeniable. In January 2025, Crooks set a new program record by becoming the fastest player to reach 1,000 career points for Iowa State, achieving this milestone during a game against Utah where she scored 29 points. Teammates describe her as a consistent and dominant force, particularly in the paint, providing significant advantage to the team.
Crooks draws inspiration from her mother, Michelle, who also played basketball and set a record at their shared high school. This familial connection and the pursuit of basketball excellence highlight a deep-rooted passion. With her unique talent and growing recognition, Audi Crooks is poised to become one of women's college basketball's most prominent figures.
