In the heart of the Midwest, a basketball phenomenon is redefining dominance on the court. Audi Crooks, the towering center for the Iowa State Cyclones, has earned the moniker “Lady Shaq.” She has done it by drawing parallels to the legendary Shaquille O’Neal. But what led to this comparison, and how has Crooks embraced this identity?
Audi Crooks: The Rise of ‘Lady Shaq’
Standing at 6’3″, Crooks commands attention with her imposing presence and exceptional skills. Her journey from a high school standout to a collegiate star has been marked by relentless dedication and an insatiable drive to excel.
The nickname “Lady Shaq” didn’t emerge overnight. It was cultivated through a series of performances that left spectators and analysts in awe. Crooks’ ability to dominate the paint, her aggressive rebounding, and her scoring efficiency mirror the traits that made Shaquille O’Neal a household name.
In a standout game against Kansas State, she recorded a career-high 36 points and secured 10 rebounds, propelling the Cyclones to a decisive victory. Her consistency has been a cornerstone of Iowa State’s success.
Averaging 23.3 points and 8.1 rebounds per game, Crooks has been instrumental in the Cyclones’ formidable presence in the Big 12 Conference. Her field goal percentage of 59.7% underscores her efficiency and strategic shot selection.
These numbers not only highlight her scoring and rebounding capabilities but also her efficiency and ability to facilitate plays, underscoring her versatility as a center.
NBA Hall of Famer Kevin Garnett took to social media to laud her performance, sharing a clip of her gameplay and captioning it with praise for her dominance in the paint. Such recognition from a player of Garnett’s stature not only validates Crooks’ talent but also highlights her potential to influence the game at higher levels.
Crooks’ recent feature on the cover of “Slam Magazine” is a testament to her rising prominence in the basketball community.
March Madness: The Road Ahead
As the NCAA Tournament looms, Crooks is poised to lead the Cyclones through the high-stakes environment of March Madness. Her performance will be pivotal in determining Iowa State’s trajectory in the tournament.
Given her track record, opponents are likely strategizing to contain her impact, but Crooks’ adaptability and basketball IQ make her a challenging matchup.
KEEP READING: Top 10 Women’s College Basketball Players in 2025
The Cyclones’ success in the tournament will heavily rely on Crooks’ ability to navigate double-teams, maintain her scoring efficiency, and anchor the defense.
As she continues to evolve her game, the basketball community watches with anticipation. Will Crooks lead the Cyclones to a historic March Madness run? Can she translate her collegiate success to the professional arena? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: “Lady Shaq” is a name that will resonate in basketball circles for years to come.
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in football, basketball, and more!
