AMES, Iowa – Audi Crooks, a standout center for the Iowa State women's basketball team, has entered the NCAA transfer portal. Her departure, confirmed recently, marks a significant shift for the Cyclones program, with multiple players opting to leave. Crooks' decision comes after three seasons with Iowa State, during which she achieved notable scoring totals and records.
The mass exodus from Iowa State's women's basketball program has seen at least nine players, including Crooks, announce intentions to transfer. This widespread movement has prompted speculation among fans and observers about underlying issues within the team's structure. While official reasons remain unstated, the sheer volume of departures suggests more than isolated decisions.
Meanwhile, Oklahoma State's football program has been actively managing its roster through the transfer portal. The team has seen both incoming additions and outgoing players, with reports indicating movement among ESPN's top-ranked transfer players. Specific names like Drew Mestemaker and Caleb Hawkins have been noted as additions, while Wendell Gregory is listed among notable departures.
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The transfer portal's closing date is approaching, creating a window for significant roster adjustments across college sports.
Crooks' Next Move Unclear, Program Rebuilds
Crooks, an All-American candidate, averaged 25.8 points per game and 7.7 rebounds this past season for Iowa State, which finished with a 22-9 record and a first-round NCAA Tournament exit. Her move makes her one of the most sought-after players in the transfer portal, with previous reports linking her to programs such as UCLA, LSU, Iowa, and Oklahoma. Some analyses suggest her departure, coupled with that of other players, might necessitate a strategic shift for the Iowa State program, potentially emphasizing offensive capabilities.
Iowa State has already begun addressing its roster needs, recently securing Gift Ezekiel, a junior center from Florida, via the transfer portal. Ezekiel, noted for her defensive contributions, comes to Ames as the program works to rebuild its women's basketball team.
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Oklahoma's Basketball Activity
The Oklahoma Sooners' women's basketball team is also active in the transfer market, having recently added Keeley Parks, a former five-star recruit from Norman High. Parks, a guard, joins the Sooners after a season with the Kansas Jayhawks, where injuries impacted her performance.
Oklahoma State Football's Portal Activity
Oklahoma State's football team, under coach Mike Gundy, has been navigating the complexities of the transfer portal, described as one of college football's busiest teams in the offseason. Roster changes are tracked extensively, with the program making moves that include players from ESPN's top transfer lists. The opening of the transfer portal, particularly the second window, has intensified these roster adjustments.
Background
The NCAA transfer portal, established to streamline the process for student-athletes wishing to transfer between institutions, has become a prominent feature of college athletics. It allows athletes to declare their intent to transfer, making them available for recruitment by other programs. This system has led to significant shifts in team rosters year after year, influencing program stability and player movement. Reports on player transfers often detail individual performances, program needs, and potential recruitment destinations. The NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) compensation landscape is also understood to play a role in player decisions, with reports indicating Crooks is reportedly seeking substantial NIL compensation.
Read More: Audi Crooks Joins Oklahoma State for Senior Season
