I was initially a little skeptical of the ranking but I'm coming around. Saw some nice interviews with her and she comes off as a very likeable young lady. Hope we don't do our usual "be seen and not heard" approach with her as I think she has the personality that maybe needs to be let out.
Audi Crooks commits to Iowa State
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I was initially a little skeptical of the ranking but I'm coming around. Saw some nice interviews with her and she comes off as a very likeable young lady. Hope we don't do our usual "be seen and not heard" approach with her as I think she has the personality that maybe needs to be let out.
Agreed in total - you can’t teach size, and these two have it! Now they need to use it effectively - exciting times for ISU women’s hoops keep getting better! A commitment from Kennedy Brown might be more than I could handle! Let’s go State!
A question I have that I'm requesting doesn't get sarcastic or negative replies but an honest answer (if you know): Was this some what of a surprise decision? Or were there hints of her choosing us all along? Thinking I stumbled upon articles that tied her to UI through family. Realize that isn't a be-all, end-all. Just curious is all.
From what I understand is that it has been kind of an either way type thing. Sometimes State fans thought she was going to Iowa and sometimes to Iowa State. Kind of a coin toss. I know one thing, I know her and I know Jada G that is going to Iowa. I would rather have Crooks than Jada. Jada is super lazy and has a poor attitude when she plays against higher level competition. She gets down on herself and totally becomes ineffective. I don't know Audi as well. Just have seen her a few times. I have seen Jada play countless tournaments across the midwest. She is the classic case of dominate inferior competition and get dominated by better.
I can see her getting some NIL cash from the local Audi dealership.
Until yesterday I think it was anyone's guess between ISU and Iowa. Wouldn't say a pick of either would have been a surprise.
It also marks somewhat of a transition from what ISU basketball was to what women's basketball in general has become. The physical nature of the game demands a strong post that can take up space and give the team both a rebounding edge along with a in-out game that dovetails nicely with our outside shooters. It was the one weakness that the team has lacked when you compare it to the Texas...South Carolina...even teams like Kansas State and Iowa. In fact, it advances a step beyond Iowa in that it primarily is a 1-2 team with Clark outside and Czizano inside. ISU will have an inside presence to go with multiple outside shooters. It will be fun to see how ISU develops this...
Well, if she wanted to cash in on Audi's Audi she picked the wrong school since Iowa City actually has an Audi dealer.
Might have lead to confusion on whether it's "Aw-dee" or "Ow-dee". Audi auto says it's Ow-dee which is generally how the given name is pronounced.
Leaves the door open for me to pull the old "I'm a better fan of Crooks since I drive an Audi!".
Audi Crooks is pronounced Aw-dee, which is how many people pronounce the car (but as you said, the car company says it's "Ow-dee"). I've been pronouncing her name Ow-dee in my head, so I need to retrain myself.
This is a really nice four-minute interview:
I should also point out that she hits a three at the 2:50 mark in this video. I don't know if I've seen her attempt a shot outside of 8 feet in the games I've seen, but the ability is there. It's just clear that her role in high school is low post and nothing else.
Was her dad Jimmy Crooks from Fort Dodge High in the Mid 80s? There is a bit of a resembalance there. I also heard Jimmy was a good guy.
Yes. Jimmie passed away last year. https://www.messengernews.net/sports/local-sports/2021/08/former-dodger-standout-crooks-passes-away/
I looked up her three-point stats:
19-20: 0-0
20-21: 0-2
21-22: 5-10
I'm guessing she has the green light to shoot it now, but just doesn't find herself in that situation often.
Her overall FG% has been over 70% all three seasons. That's really impressive.
She is a great player and seems like a wonderful person. I enjoyed watching her high school team on TV last year. She was a dominant player. What a great pick-up for Cyclone Nation!
Welcome to ISU, Audi!
Welcome to ISU, Audi!
I can understand questioning where she fits in with our scheme as she's a much different player than we've had in the past. But her combination of size, strength, footwork and shooting touch is unique to the point you bring her in and figure out a way to make it work with her. Great addition.
Last year they lost to Valley IIRC. Bottom line is Crooks has some unique size and skills. She is a high character young lady as well. Very good student. At the very least Audi will be a good teammate who will contribute and be coachable. And she has great hands and good touch. Audi is an intriguing prospect.
