Audi Crooks, a two‑time All‑American and the nation’s second‑leading scorer in women’s college basketball, announced her commitment to Oklahoma State on Wednesday, bringing an end to a highly publicized recruiting chase.
The decision follows a wave of speculation that the Oklahoma State program had offered her a $1.4 million compensation package, a figure that quickly turned into a media talking point.
Coach Jacie Hoyt pushed back against those claims, labeling the $1.4 million figure as fabricated and emphasizing that financial considerations are only one piece of a larger puzzle.
Recruiting Rumors and Reality
In a press conference, Hoyt explained that while monetary incentives matter, the university’s fast‑paced offensive system, academic resources, and culture were equally decisive for Crooks.
USA TODAY Sports had previously ranked Oklahoma State’s transfer portal class as the best of the offseason, underscoring the program’s strategic push to bolster talent.
Crooks, a 6‑foot‑3 forward from Algona, Iowa, arrives with a career field‑goal percentage of 61.1%, placing her fifth all‑time in Big 12 women’s basketball history.
Her efficient inside scoring and limited three‑point attempts — just 40 over three seasons at Iowa State — suggest a player focused on high‑percentage shots, a trait that aligns with Oklahoma State’s playing style.
The addition of Crooks is expected to elevate the Cowgirls’ national standing; last season the team ranked eighth in points per 100 possessions and eleventh in three‑pointers made per game.
A New Chapter for the Cowgirls
Crooks’ commitment marks a pivotal moment for Oklahoma State, which has been actively courting top transfers from across the country.
The university’s athletic department, in partnership with Yahoo Sports and USA TODAY Sports, highlighted the signing as a marquee event for the upcoming season.
Fans and analysts alike will watch closely to see how the Cowgirls integrate Crooks into a roster that already boasts a strong defensive identity.
With Crooks’ final year of eligibility approaching, the program sees an opportunity to showcase her development before she declares for the WNBA draft.
Hoyt concluded by noting that Crooks is motivated to play in a system that can help her reach the next level, a sentiment that resonates with the player’s own career aspirations.