Iowa State center Audi Crooks seemed like the obvious answer for the Oklahoma Sooners' biggest problem, and now OU head coach Jennie Baranczyk is in the tightly contested race to get Crooks wearing crimson and cream next season.
On3 reported on Thursday that a program had emerged as one to watch in the battle for Crooks, then SoonerScoop's George Stoia confirmed OU was that school that's interested in Crooks to replace graduated starting center Raegan Beers. USA Today's Mitchell Northam also listed the Sooners at the top of his list of five possible destinations for Crooks.
Jennie Baranczyk officially in race for Audi Crooks in quest to replace Raegan Beers
Crooks was a shocking entrant for the Transfer Portal once it officially opens on Monday, when things will really heat up in Crooks' recruitment. Crooks' decision on Thursday immediately made her the top prospect in the Transfer Portal this cycle, and she happens to play the position the Sooners need help from the portal the most.
The Sooners have a ton of talent returning after making another run to the Sweet 16, including leading scorer Aaliyah Chavez, but they lost Beers, who averaged 15.8 points and 10.4 rebounds this season as OU's 6-foot-4 starting center. She finished her career with 67 double-doubles, so replacing Beers seemed impossible, but that was before anyone imagined Crooks being available.
OU also graduated backup center Beatrice Culliton, leaving freshman Daffa Cissoko as the only center left on the roster and with no experience. That made finding a starting center the Sooners' top priority this offseason.
Read more: Oklahoma's perfect Raegan Beers replacement is headed to the Transfer Portal
Crooks, listed at 6-foot-3, was a two-time All-American and three-time All-Big 12 selection during her three years at in-state Iowa State. She was second in the country in scoring this season with 25.8 points a game. She shot 64.9% from the floor as her 61.1% career field-goal percentage is fifth all-time in Big 12 history. She also averaged 7.7 rebounds.
It will not be easy getting Crooks to Norman, though, because of that success. Baranczyk will have to beat out the likes of UConn, Texas, South Carolina and other major programs also trying to get Crooks on their roster. But at this point, it's worth the Sooners going all in for Crooks if they want to have the best possible Beers replacement and finally get past the Sweet 16 next season.