“Lady Shaq” Audi Crooks Takes the U.S. by Storm: The Rising Force Dominating College Basketball

Posted : 20 November 2025

A new basketball sensation is capturing America’s attention—20-year-old Audi Crooks, known to fans by her fast-growing nickname, “Lady Shaq.” In a country where Caitlin Clark became a national icon, Crooks has emerged as the next dominant figure in women’s basketball, breaking records and thrilling crowds with her unstoppable presence in the paint.

Just last week, despite battling an illness, Crooks insisted on suiting up. She played only 20 minutes yet delivered a staggering 43 points—setting the all-time scoring record for Iowa State University in a single game. “It was my flu game,” she said with a tired grin, referencing Michael Jordan’s legendary performance.

Commentators have been quick to praise her rare blend of power and finesse. Her imposing frame, sharp footwork, and soft shooting touch make her one of the most efficient scorers in college basketball, routinely shooting above 60 percent from the field. She commands double-teams, dominates rebounds, and still finds ways to score at will.

Crooks grew up in the small town of Algona, Iowa, with fewer than 6,000 residents. Standing 1.91 meters tall, she not only inherited her parents’ athletic background but also their shared jersey number—55. While she is not the tallest or most athletic player in college basketball, her ability to use her size with precision and confidence sets her apart. Iowa State coach Bill Fennelly summed it up simply: “She isn’t trying to dominate—she’s just in control.”

Her physical presence has drawn comparisons to Shaquille O’Neal, inspiring the “Lady Shaq” nickname that now follows her everywhere. Even former NBA star Kevin Garnett has taken notice, writing that Crooks blends “old-school fundamentals with new-age dominance.” Sports host Pat McAfee echoed the hype: “Everyone knows the ball is going to her—and they still can’t stop it. That’s a superpower.”

But her rise has not been free of challenges. As a young girl, Crooks faced harsh comments about her size, from claims that she was “too big” to doubts about her fitness. Rather than shrink under criticism, she turned her body into her biggest advantage—and now embraces it with pride. “People will always say you don’t belong,” she said. “But they’re the ones watching me. I don’t care what people say about my size.”

Crooks made an immediate impact in her freshman year (2023/24), averaging 19.2 points, setting a school record with 635 points, and dropping 40 points on Maryland in the NCAA Tournament. She elevated her game even further in the 2024/25 season, leading the Big 12 with 23.4 points per game, scoring in double figures every night, and becoming the face of Iowa State basketball.

Amid lucrative transfer opportunities and reports of massive NIL offers, Crooks chose to stay loyal to Iowa State. This summer she announced she would not enter the transfer portal. “I’m exactly where I want to be,” she wrote on social media. Rumors suggested she turned down tens of millions in NIL incentives, but she brushed them aside: “The numbers people threw around weren’t real. I didn’t get an offer that would change my life.”

Through power, loyalty, and relentless consistency, Audi Crooks has become one of the biggest stories in American college basketball—and she’s only just getting started.

“Lady Shaq” Audi Crooks Takes the U.S. by Storm: The Rising Force Dominating College Basketball

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