Is An Audi Crooks UCLA Transfer Portal Decision Inevitable?

The biggest transfer portal news in women’s basketball could be a sign that an Audi Crooks UCLA decision is inevitable and imminent. The Bruins will wait until the end of the season to make any announcement, but the writing is clear as day on the wall of women’s hoops. Crooks has officially announced she is entering the transfer portal, and while she could still return to Iowa State, it’s more likely she chooses to chase a title in her final year of eligibility.

Crooks also has the option to declare for the WNBA draft, as she turns 22 in December, but another great season in college could assure her a spot as a high-round one pick in 2027. She is one of the top players in the sport and will be assured a large NIL deal wherever she lands, but why does the city of angels make the most sense?

Audi Crooks UCLA Is A Match Made In Heaven

For the Cyclones the past three seasons, Crooks has been nothing short of incredible. She averaged 19.2 points and 7.8 rebounds per game as a freshman and was first-team All-Big 12. The following year, she upped her scoring to 23.4 points per game and was a third-team All-American. This past season, she was a second-team All-American, averaging 25.8 points (2nd in the nation) and 7.7 rebounds per game.

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Crooks 64.9% field goal percentage was second in the NCAA, proving what an efficient scorer she is. The only thing she hasn’t done is make it past the second round of the NCAA tournament. The Cyclones have been bounced in round one the last two seasons, setting the stage for Crooks’ transfer request. While every team in the country should be interested in acquiring a game-changer like her, UCLA is the perfect fit.

The Bruins are currently one of the final four teams remaining in the tournament, set to play the Texas Longhorns on Friday night at 9:30 pm. UCLA is also a number one seed, and has been so since the start of the season, which which currently sits at a 35-1 record. They clearly don’t need her help. At least, not right now, they don’t.

The Bruins are set to graduate seven players, including their six leading scorers, headlined by 6’7 center Lauren Betts. If they are going to make a run again next year, they need reinforcements in a big way. The incoming freshman class won’t be much help, despite having six players in the top-25. Every one of those players is a guard or small forward.

Crooks is a 6’3 power house on the inside, and the perfect player to replace Betts. Her scoring prowess is also significantly better than that of anyone currently on the Bruins. A team that will be incredibly young will need some veteran leadership, and a player who can put up 30 on any given night seems like the perfect fit. While Crooks could still choose Iowa, and stay in her home state, it’s hard to turn down bright lights, palm trees, and a chance to be a top pick after her first deep playoff run.