Audi Crooks is ready to run it back.
After averaging an impressive 23.4 points and 7.5 boards this season, the 6-3 center has announced that shes returning to Iowa State for her junior season. The SLAMU cover star made it official with her own Instagram post, which poked fun at any speculation that shed be taking her talents elsewhere.
Crooks is one of the most dominant bigs in college basketball and has been capturing the worlds attention with her style of play in the paint, which shes perfected since arriving in Ames.
I chose Iowa State because it made me feel cared for as a person, not just for what I do on a basketball court,Crooks told us for the digital cover of SLAMU (which is now her profile pic on IG, we see you AC!).
During the recruiting process, head coach Bill Fennellyand his coaching staff made Crooks feel comfortable and welcome from the very beginning, a sentiment that hasnt changed since shes suited up in the red and gold. Hes going to be tough on you, Crooks said of Fennelly. But at the end of the day, you know that he loves you and that he supports you.
With Crooks at the center, and teammates like forward Addy Brownwho will also be returningthe Cyclones will look to make a major comeback after losing in the first-round of this years NCAA tournament. Crooks, meanwhile, has emphasized that shes ready to improve her leadership and be more consistent on the floor. Heres what Cyclones fans can expect:
I think a part of my game that I like to elevate is not necessarily going to show up on the stat board, she says. Id like to be a better communicator. Id like to be a better leader and just more consistent overall, whether that be in the paint, at the mid-range, setting screens, whatever it is, even on the defensive end, Crooks said.
