Iowa State’s Audi Crooks Named to John R. Wooden Award Watch List
A panel of national college basketball experts has recognized Iowa State junior Audi Crooks as a leading contender for the prestigious John R. Wooden Award, adding her name to the Late Midseason Top 20 Watch List, the Los Angeles Athletic Club announced Tuesday evening.
Crooks’ inclusion on the list signifies her status as a frontrunner for both the Wooden Award® All-American Team and the coveted Wooden Award® Most Outstanding Player honor. The award celebrates excellence in college basketball, recognizing not only on-court performance but also character and team contributions.
Dominating Performance Fuels Wooden Award Bid
The nation’s leading scorer, Crooks has consistently demonstrated her dominance in the low post this season, averaging an impressive 25.9 points per game. Her efficiency is equally remarkable, shooting nearly 67 percent from the field. Beyond scoring, she’s a force on the glass, averaging 7.7 rebounds per game and achieving 10 double-doubles through 24 games played.
Crooks’ consistency is particularly noteworthy. She has scored in double figures in an astounding 90 consecutive games – the longest active streak in the nation. This remarkable run of form also saw her become the fastest Big 12 women’s basketball player in history to reach 2,000 career points, accomplishing the feat in just 89 games. She has also refined her game, improving her free throw percentage to 71.4 percent, connecting on 110 of 154 attempts.
Award Process and Future Considerations
While the Late Midseason Top 20 represents a significant step, the path to the Wooden Award is ongoing. Players not initially selected for this list remain eligible for inclusion on the Wooden Award® National Ballot. This ballot will ultimately feature 15 top players who meet the award’s stringent qualifications.
According to a release, Wooden Award® voters will rank the 15 players on the National Ballot during the NCAA Tournament, factoring in performances in the early rounds, overall team contributions, and demonstrated character. The Wooden Award All-American Team will be unveiled during the week of the NCAA Tournament’s Elite Eight.
Celebrating a Legacy of Excellence
The Wooden Award is currently celebrating its fiftieth year, with special programming featuring the award’s inaugural winner and ambassador, Marques Johnson. The 2026 John R. Wooden Award, presented by Principal, will culminate in a gala honoring the winners, All-Americans, and the recipient of the Legends of Coaching Award, Matt Painter of Purdue, at the Los Angeles Athletic Club on Friday, April 10, 2026.
