Audi Crooks Embraces New Challenge as Jacie Hoyt Builds Oklahoma State's High-Powered Offense

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Oklahoma State women's basketball enters the season with lofty expectations, but Audi Crooks isn't interested in celebrating anything before the Cowgirls take the floor.

The former Iowa State star, now preparing for her first season at Oklahoma State, understands the excitement surrounding Jacie Hoyt's roster. The Cowgirls were selected as the preseason favorites in the Big 12, and their collection of offensive talent has created plenty of anticipation. But during Wednesday's Big 12 Basketball Media Day, Crooks emphasized that preseason recognition doesn't guarantee anything.

"We appreciate the preseason ranking of number one and the preseason awards, but it means nothing," Crooks said. "We have to put pen to paper and go out and prove it."

For Crooks, the opportunity to join Hoyt's program represents more than a chance to compete for a conference championship. It's also an opportunity to become a more complete player.

Crooks arrives in Stillwater already established as one of the most productive post players in college basketball. However, she believes there are several areas where she can continue improving.

Her familiarity with Hoyt played an important role in choosing Oklahoma State. Having competed against the Cowgirls during her time at Iowa State, Crooks saw firsthand how Hoyt approached the game.

"I knew Coach Hoyt from playing her the last few years, and she was really great at honing in on my strengths and weaknesses," Crooks said.

That understanding helped convince Crooks that Hoyt could push her development forward. Rather than becoming satisfied with her previous accomplishments, Crooks described an approach built around constant evaluation.

"The mentality has to be just to refuse having contentment," Crooks said.

She explained that she regularly studies her performances after games, looking for mistakes and opportunities to improve. Crooks said Hoyt shares that attention to detail, creating a coaching relationship she believes will help elevate her game.

Although Crooks has already demonstrated her scoring ability, she identified defense as one of her biggest priorities entering the season.

"Defense is the big focus for me transferring over," Crooks said.

She also pointed to improving her pace of play, strength and conditioning as important parts of the transition. Hoyt's system places significant demands on post players, requiring them to stay active and move effectively throughout possessions.

Crooks understands that adapting to those expectations will be essential. For Oklahoma State, her development on the defensive end could make an already talented roster even more dangerous.

While Crooks is focused on improving individually, Hoyt is working to maximize a roster featuring several of the Big 12's most dynamic offensive players. The Oklahoma State coach praised the scoring ability of Crooks, Stailee Heard and Liv McGill.

"We have some of the best scorers in the country," Hoyt said.

She described Crooks as one of the nation's most imposing post presences, Heard as one of its most versatile players and McGill as one of its most dynamic point guards. But Hoyt emphasized that Oklahoma State's offensive potential extends beyond those three.

"The great thing is it's not just three of them either," Hoyt said. "The whole team has tremendous scoring ability, and we're putting it all together."

That depth creates opportunities, but it also presents a challenge for the coaching staff. With multiple players capable of carrying the offensive load, Hoyt must find the right combinations and establish roles that allow everyone to contribute.

"It's been a fun challenge as a coach to piece that all together," Hoyt said.

Oklahoma State enters the season with the expectations of a conference favorite and a roster featuring proven talent. But Crooks made it clear that the Cowgirls still have plenty to prove.

"We just really have to do the work and earn those honors and accolades," Crooks said.

Hoyt sees a similar mindset throughout her team. She described the Cowgirls as having a willingness to do whatever is necessary to win, even as they continue adjusting to one another.

For Oklahoma State, the potential is obvious. Crooks provides a powerful presence in the paint, Heard brings versatility and McGill adds another dynamic element to the backcourt. But turning that talent into a championship-caliber team will require more than preseason recognition.

Crooks wants to become a more complete player. Hoyt wants to bring the pieces together. And both understand that the Cowgirls will ultimately be judged by what they accomplish on the court.