AUDI Crooks has been tipped to be one of the stars of the NCAA Tournament this month.
Crooks, 20, has drawn comparisons to Shaquille O’Neal for her dominate play style.
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She is apparently peaking at the right time, too, with one of her best performances of the year coming in the regular-season finale.
The 20-year-old racked up 36 points and 10 rebounds in a 85-53 win for Iowa State over Kansas State.
It was her 10th double-double of the season.
Crooks has now scored double figures in 63 straight games.
She is also the fastest player in the history of her college program to reach 1,000 points.
One fan said, “Audi is a female Shaq, no one can top her in the paint, she a baller.”
Another said, “Audi Crooks is the next big name in woman’s basketball.”
While a third drew comparisons with Denver Nuggets superstar Nikola Jokic, saying, “Lady Joker.”
Her talent drew praise from 2008 NBA champion Kevin Garnett.
Garnett continued the comparisons with four-time NBA champion and three-time Finals MVP Shaq.
“Old-school fundamentals mixed with new-age dominance.” Garnett said.
March Madness will increased the spotlight on women’s basketball and the teams that qualify.
Last year the sport had a boom led by Caitlin Clark.
Her senior year run with Iowa captured the imagination and led to record viewing figures.
The women’s championship game drew larger TV ratings than the men’s last April.
Angel Reese and Cameron Brink are two other basketball stars who shot to fame last year.
Crooks has been tipped for big things as well, despite only being in her sophomore year.
Speaking on First Take recently, Stephen A. Smith highlighted another player who could make a huge impact.
JuJu Watkins has had an incredible year for USC, who are set to be a top seed in the tournament.
Smith said on First Take, “When are we gonna start talking about her the same way we talk about Caitlin Clark?”
“JuJu is special, I’m telling you that right now. She is the package! She is gonna be special.”
