Audi Crooks Eyes Deep Postseason Run, Details Evolution of Her Game at Oklahoma State

STILLWATER, Okla. — Oklahoma State women's basketball star Audi Crooks isn't defining success solely by wins and losses this season. Instead, the Cowgirls' standout post player believes reaching the team's full potential will determine just how far Oklahoma State can go.

During an appearance on Yahoo Sports Daily, Crooks discussed her expectations for the season, the evolution of her game under head coach Jacie Hoyt and the importance of challenging nonconference matchups before Big 12 play begins.

"I think success for us is just making a deep run and playing how we're all capable of playing night in and night out," Crooks said. "I feel like if we all play to our potential, then we can live with the end results, whatever that may be."

It's an approach that emphasizes consistency and development for an Oklahoma State program looking to establish itself among the nation's top teams. The No. 19 Cowgirls have opened the season with three consecutive victories, including a 94-56 win over Northwestern State on Monday. Crooks contributed 13 points, five rebounds and three blocks in that victory, extending her streak of double-digit scoring performances to 101 consecutive games.

But the challenges ahead will provide a clearer picture of Oklahoma State's potential. The Cowgirls face a demanding stretch of non-conference competition, highlighted by a Dec. 6 road matchup against South Carolina, which has reached the national championship game in each of the past two seasons.

Oklahoma State will also face rival Oklahoma on Dec. 12 at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City. Before those matchups, the Cowgirls will participate in the Coconut Hoops Tournament in Fort Myers, Florida, facing Washington on Nov. 27 and UMass on Nov. 28. Those games will provide valuable measuring sticks for a roster featuring several new faces, including Crooks and fellow standout transfer Liv McGill.

Crooks believes facing high-level competition will be particularly valuable, regardless of the results.

"It's really going to expose some things," Crooks said. "Find out what we're really made of from those games. Go back to the whiteboard and really fine-tune before Big 12 play starts."

Beyond the team's aspirations, Crooks also offered insight into how her individual game has changed since arriving in Stillwater. Known for her dominance around the basket, Crooks is now being challenged to contribute in different ways offensively.

"Moving here to Stillwater has put me in a different brand of basketball," Crooks said. "A lot more is being asked of my IQ. Activity as a post player is a lot higher."

That adjustment includes becoming more comfortable in transition and expanding her offensive range.

"Adjusting to playing more in transition. Expanding my range. Being more comfortable shooting jumpers," Crooks said. "They let them fly here and [have] given me the green light on that."

The expanded responsibilities could make Crooks an even more difficult matchup for opposing defenses. Rather than operating exclusively around the basket, her growing comfort with perimeter shooting and transition opportunities gives Oklahoma State additional offensive versatility.

Crooks also credited Hoyt for helping make the transition easier, particularly through the relationship the coach has established with her players.

"Coach Jacie prides herself on the relationships she has with us," Crooks said. "For me, it's knowing I can go to her with anything."

Crooks described Hoyt as a consistent resource both during practices and away from basketball.

"She's been a constant in practice and off the floor to bounce ideas off of and going to her with any questions and concerns," Crooks said. "Clears it all up for us."

For Oklahoma State, the early season represents an opportunity to continue developing chemistry while preparing for tougher competition. And for Crooks, that means embracing a different style of basketball while helping the Cowgirls pursue a deep postseason run.

The ultimate outcome remains uncertain, but Crooks believes Oklahoma State has the talent to accomplish something significant if everyone consistently performs to their capabilities.

Oklahoma State returns to action Thursday against Tulsa, with tipoff scheduled for 5 p.m. CT. The matchup gives Crooks and the Cowgirls another opportunity to build on their unbeaten start before facing tougher nonconference competition.