The Iowa State Cyclones women’s basketball program is experiencing a mass exodus. So far, 10 players have announced they will enter the transfer portal and seek opportunities outside Iowa State.
The biggest shock for the Cyclones was Audi Crooks’ announcement that she would enter the transfer portal. She joined the program in 2023 and has been arguably their best player since. This season, she averaged 25.8 points and 7.7 rebounds while shooting nearly 65% from the field.
Crooks is one of 10 players leaving Iowa State. Jada Williams and Addy Brown, both starters, are also leaving when the transfer portal opens.
Players leaving during the transfer portal window is common, but Iowa State is suffering much more than any other team. So, why is it happening?
The exodus could be driven by the evolving landscape of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) as players look for better opportunities for themselves.
The Cyclones’ recent struggles are also a possible reason. The Cyclones haven’t been to the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament since 2009. The program doesn’t have a single NCAA title and suffered a first-round exit after losing to the Syracuse Orange this year.
The Cyclones didn’t have the best run in the Big 12 Conference either, posting a 10-8 record. They lost the first game of the Big 12 Tournament to the Arizona State Sun Devils.
Iowa State Head Coach Bill Fennelly’s Statement
Fennelly has been the head coach of the Iowa State Cyclones since 1995. He has seen college basketball go through some of the biggest changes and turbulent times. Amid players announcing their transfer portal decisions, he released a statement to address everything.
“It goes without saying that college sports have undergone tremendous change the past few years, and our program has obviously been impacted by the current landscape this spring,” he wrote.
“While I am sad and disappointed that some of our players have chosen to pursue other opportunities, I want to thank them for their time at Iowa State and wish them all the best as they move on.”
Fennelly is confident that Iowa State will build a capable roster for next season and that the program will be well represented when the season starts.
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