New York: Iowa State center Audi Crooks has emerged as one of the most dominant offensive forces in women’s college basketball this season. While several guards across the country—such as Vanderbilt’s Mikayla Blakes, Notre Dame’s Hannah Hidalgo, and Florida’s Liv McGill—are averaging well over 25 points per game, none have matched the production of Crooks.
The junior standout is currently leading the nation in scoring, putting up 27.6 points per game for the No. 10 Iowa State Cyclones (10–0) heading into Wednesday’s showdown with No. 12 Iowa (9–0).
Crooks’ rise to national attention isn’t new. As a freshman during the 2024 NCAA Tournament, she shocked Maryland with a 40-point performance, instantly marking herself as a future star. This season, she has already surpassed the 40-point mark twice and has recorded eight games with at least 20 points. Her recent outburst—30 points in just 19 minutes against Northern Illinois—showcases her unmatched efficiency.
Shooting 73.2% from the field, Crooks ranks second nationally in field-goal percentage. Her combination of strength, footwork, and a fluid mid-range jumper makes her nearly impossible to guard. Iowa State head coach Bill Fennelly describes her impact as something rarely seen at the college level.
Crooks also holds the longest active scoring streak in Division I—77 straight games with at least 10 points. If she maintains her current pace, she could join Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid as only the second player in Division I men’s or women’s basketball, the NBA, or the WNBA to average one point per minute over a season.
Opponents have tried everything—double-teams, physical defenses, and attempts to draw fouls—to slow her down, but Crooks continues to overpower and outmaneuver defenders.
Her toughest challenge yet arrives Wednesday as Iowa State battles in-state rival Iowa, a team the Cyclones haven’t beaten since 2021. The Hawkeyes feature several strong defenders, including sophomore forward Ava Heiden, who leads Iowa in both scoring (16.1) and rebounding (9.2).
Despite the rivalry pressure, the Cyclones trust their star.
“When you throw the ball to her, it’s going in,” guard Reagan Wilson said.
With unmatched efficiency, elite footwork, and unstoppable scoring ability, Audi Crooks has become the focal point of Iowa State’s undefeated run—and one of college basketball’s most unguardable players.
