When a player dominates the paint with sheer force, tenacity, and skill, comparisons to the behemoth who dominated the hardwood, Shaquille O’Neal are inevitable. Enter Audi Crooks, the rising star who has earned the nickname ‘Lady Shaq— a moniker that carries some serious gravitas. And her latest performance not only justified the hype but also garnered a nod of approval from the NBA Legend Kevin Garnett.

The latest outing from Lady Shaq was nothing short of spectacular. A double-double machine, she fought her way through defenders, proving that size and skill can exist simultaneously in a way that few can handle. Whether it was her polished moves, her blocks, or ability to finish through contact, she left no doubt that she is here to stay.

Kevin Garnett, never one to give out empty praise, took to social media to applaud Crooks’ dominance. Garnett shared a clip of her last game on his Instagram story, captioning it, “ 😤😤😤[salute emoji] 💯That block work 😤[salute emoji]💯” applauding her triumphant performance. In that game, the Iowa State Sophomore dropped a career high 36 points and secured 10 rebounds in a game winning performance, earning her the Cyclone Club Athlete of the Year Award.

Garnett was impressed by Audi Crooks’ strength, composure, and finesse in the game. He highlighted her footwork, patience, and ability to create high-percentage looks, calling them “old-school fundamentals mixed with new-age dominance.” Crooks is making a name for herself, but the real question remains: how far can she go?.

What’s Next For Audi Crooks?

With every passing game, Audi Crooks is proving that she is not just another prospect, she is a force. Whether it is bullying the defenders on the paint or making the right read in a double-team situation, her game is rapidly evolving. 

While many post players rely solely on size, Crooks adds another dimension to her game: versatility. Her brute force is expected, but it’s her basketball IQ that truly sets her apart and her understanding of spacing that makes her even more dangerous. She is not just lingering around and hoping for the best, she is reading the defense, utilizing angles, and capitalizing on mismatches. In the same vein as what made Shaq a nightmare to guard, Crooks also is displaying those traits, drawing the comparisons.

With momentum on her side, the expectations are growing. If Crooks can continue on this trajectory, we are looking at a player who can redefine the modern big. The elephant in the room is this: can she take her game to even greater heights? If Kevin Garnett’s support is any indication, the answer is a resounding yes. ‘Lady Shaq’ is not just a nickname, it is a warning to the competition. And if she can keep this up, they better be ready.