Delanie Crawford is making waves in women’s college basketball at the University of Tulsa. The junior guard has become a key player for the Golden Hurricane, showcasing her skills on the court and leaving a lasting impact on the program.
Crawford recently reached a significant milestone, surpassing 1,000 career points in her 83rd game for Tulsa. This achievement places her among an elite group of only 13 players in the school’s history to reach this mark. Her consistent performance and scoring ability have made her a valuable asset to the team.
Before joining Tulsa, Crawford honed her skills at Piedmont High School in Oklahoma. There, she helped lead her team to a state championship and continued to improve her game.
Now, as a standout player for the Golden Hurricane, Crawford regularly posts impressive stats in points, rebounds, and assists at the Donald W. Reynolds Center, Tulsa’s home court.
High School Dominance
Delanie Crawford’s high school career was marked by outstanding achievements and leadership. Her performances set records and earned her widespread recognition.
Detailed Account Of Her High School Career
Crawford lettered for four years at Piedmont High School in Oklahoma. Her sophomore year was a standout season, as she helped lead the team to the Oklahoma Class 5A State Championship.
The momentum continued into her senior year. Crawford’s leadership skills shone as she guided the team to the state semifinals. Her consistent improvement each season showcased her dedication to the sport.
Crawford’s versatility on the court was evident throughout her high school years. She excelled in multiple aspects of the game, from scoring to rebounding and assisting.
Specific Statistics From Key Games And Seasons
In her senior season, Crawford put up impressive numbers across the board:
- 15.3 points per game
- 7.4 rebounds per game
- 2.6 assists per game
- 1.8 steals per game
Her shooting percentages were equally notable:
- 48.6% field goal percentage
- 38% three-point percentage
These stats highlight Crawford’s all-around game and her ability to impact matches in various ways.
Awards And Recognition
Crawford’s outstanding play earned her numerous accolades during her high school career. While specific awards are not mentioned in the search results, it’s common for players of her caliber to receive honors such as:
- All-State team selections
- All-Conference team selections
- Team MVP awards
- Local newspaper all-area team selections
Her role in leading Piedmont to a state championship likely resulted in team awards as well.
Quotes From Coaches And Teammates
While direct quotes from coaches and teammates are not available in the search results, Crawford’s impact on her high school team was undoubtedly significant.
Coaches often praise players like Crawford for their work ethic, leadership, and ability to perform under pressure. Teammates typically highlight the positive influence of such standout players both on and off the court.
Crawford’s consistent improvement and key role in team success suggest she was highly regarded by those around her at Piedmont High School.
The Tulsa Arrival And Freshman Year
Delanie Crawford’s journey with the Tulsa Golden Hurricane began with a bang. She quickly made her mark on the team, setting the stage for a remarkable collegiate career.
Recruitment Process
Delanie Crawford caught the eye of Tulsa’s coaching staff during her standout high school career at Piedmont High School in Oklahoma. Her impressive stats and state championship win as a sophomore made her a top recruit.
Tulsa offered Crawford a scholarship, impressed by her scoring ability and leadership on the court. The proximity to her hometown and Tulsa’s strong academic programs played a role in her decision. Crawford signed with the Golden Hurricane, ready to take her game to the next level.
Immediate Impact On The Team
Crawford wasted no time making her presence felt on the Tulsa squad. Her shooting ability and basketball IQ impressed coaches and teammates alike during preseason practices.
She earned a starting spot early in her freshman season, bringing much-needed scoring power to the Golden Hurricane lineup. Crawford’s confidence and work ethic set a new standard for the team, pushing her fellow players to elevate their game.
Freshman Season Statistics
Crawford’s freshman year numbers were impressive:
- Points per game: 12.5
- Rebounds per game: 4.2
- Assists per game: 2.1
- Three-pointers made: 65
Her scoring average ranked second on the team, and she led all Tulsa freshmen in minutes played. Crawford’s 65 three-pointers set a new Tulsa freshman record.
Significant Games And Team Performance
Crawford shone in several key matchups during her freshman campaign. She scored a season-high 25 points against the Memphis Tigers in a crucial conference game.
Her clutch three-pointer in the final seconds secured a win over the South Florida Bulls, boosting Tulsa’s standing in the American Athletic Conference. The Golden Hurricane finished the season with a winning record, thanks in part to Crawford’s consistent contributions.
Tulsa’s performance in the conference tournament improved from the previous year, with Crawford playing a pivotal role in their quarterfinal victory over the UTSA Roadrunners.
Sophomore Season: Continued Success And Evolution
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Delanie Crawford’s sophomore season at Tulsa showed remarkable growth and achievement. She built on her strong freshman year, improving key stats and earning recognition for her outstanding play.
Improved Statistics And Skill Development
Crawford’s game took a big leap in her second year. She boosted her scoring average to 19.0 points per game, up from her freshman year. Her three-point shooting was exceptional, setting a new Tulsa record with 99 made threes in a single season.
Her all-around game improved too. Crawford averaged 5.7 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game. These numbers show she became a more complete player.
Crawford’s ball-handling and decision-making skills also got better. This made her harder to defend and more valuable to her team.
Performance In Important Games
In big games, Crawford stood out. She recorded several double-doubles, showing her ability to impact games in multiple ways.
One standout performance came against a top conference rival. Crawford scored 30 points and grabbed 10 rebounds, leading Tulsa to a crucial win.
Her clutch play in close games was notable. Crawford often took and made important shots in the final minutes, helping Tulsa win tight contests.
Quotes From Her Current Coach
Tulsa’s head coach praised Crawford’s development:
“Delanie has become a true leader on and off the court. Her work ethic is contagious, and she’s always looking to improve her game.”
The coach also noted Crawford’s impact on team chemistry:
“She makes everyone around her better. Delanie’s unselfishness and competitive spirit lift the whole team.”
Awards Or Accolades Received
Crawford’s outstanding play earned her several honors. She was named to the All-Conference Second Team, recognizing her as one of the best players in the conference.
She won the AAC’s Most Improved Player of the Year award. This highlighted her big jump in performance from freshman to sophomore year.
Crawford was named AAC Player of the Week multiple times. She also made the AAC Weekly Honor Roll several times throughout the season.
Her consistent excellence put her on the radar for national awards. Crawford received votes for All-American honors, setting the stage for even bigger things in her junior year.
Playing Style And Skillset Analysis
Delanie Crawford stands out as a dynamic guard for the Tulsa Golden Hurricane, showcasing a well-rounded game that combines scoring prowess with playmaking ability. Her versatile skillset and high basketball IQ make her a key player for the team.
Breakdown Of Playing Style
Crawford excels as a shooting guard with a knack for scoring from all areas of the court. Her three-point shooting is exceptional, setting a single-season record at Tulsa with 99 three-pointers made. She has a quick release and good form, allowing her to catch and shoot effectively.
Crawford’s game isn’t limited to outside shooting. She can drive to the basket, finish through contact, and draw fouls. Her ability to score at different levels keeps defenders guessing and opens up opportunities for teammates.
On defense, Crawford uses her 5-foot-11 frame to disrupt passing lanes and contest shots. She averages 1.8 steals per game, showing her defensive instincts and hustle.
Comparisons To Other Elite Players
Crawford’s playing style draws comparisons to other elite guards in women’s college basketball. Her scoring ability and three-point prowess are reminiscent of players like Caitlin Clark from Iowa or Taylor Robertson from Oklahoma.
Like these players, Crawford can take over games with her scoring. She posted a career-high 35 points in a single game, showcasing her ability to carry the offensive load when needed.
Crawford’s rebounding numbers (7.4 per game in high school) also stand out for a guard, drawing comparisons to versatile players like Rhyne Howard, formerly of Kentucky.
Versatility And Unique Talent
Crawford’s versatility sets her apart from many of her peers. She contributes across multiple statistical categories, impacting the game in various ways.
Her scoring ability is evident, with 19.0 points per game in a recent season. But Crawford also rebounds well for her position and dishes out assists, making her a triple-threat on offense.
This all-around game allows her to adapt to different defensive schemes. If teams focus on taking away her outside shot, she can drive or find open teammates.
Crawford’s ability to play multiple positions adds to her value. She can run the point in a pinch or play off-ball as a scoring threat.
Visual Analysis Of Best Plays
Crawford’s highlight reel showcases her diverse skillset:
- Three-point shooting: Quick release catch-and-shoot threes off screens
- Driving ability: Hesitation moves to get past defenders, finishing with either hand
- Playmaking: No-look passes to cutters, drive-and-kick assists to open shooters
- Defense: Anticipating passes for steals, chasing down blocks in transition
Her career-high 35-point game likely features several of these elements, showing how she can string together multiple skills to dominate a game.
Crawford’s ability to hit clutch shots in big moments is another key aspect of her game, often seen in late-game situations or conference matchups.
NIL Deals And Brand Building
Delanie Crawford has leveraged her basketball skills at Tulsa to secure various NIL deals and build her personal brand. Her efforts have focused on social media engagement, local partnerships, and positioning herself for potential future endorsements.
Significant NIL Deals
Crawford has partnered with several local Tulsa businesses, boosting her profile and income. She promotes custom apparel through Influxer Merch, allowing fans to purchase jerseys and other gear featuring her name and number. This deal helps Crawford connect with supporters while earning money from sales.
The athlete has also teamed up with a local sports nutrition company, endorsing their products on social media and at campus events. This partnership aligns with her image as a dedicated athlete and health-conscious individual.
Crawford’s most notable deal is with a regional bank, where she appears in their commercials and promotes financial literacy for college students. This agreement showcases her versatility beyond the basketball court.
Social Media And Brand Cultivation
Crawford has built a strong social media presence across platforms like Instagram and TikTok. She regularly posts behind-the-scenes content from practices and games, giving fans an insider’s view of college basketball life.
Her accounts feature a mix of basketball highlights, workout routines, and glimpses into her personal life. This balanced approach has helped Crawford attract a diverse follower base, including basketball fans, fitness enthusiasts, and fellow students.
She often collaborates with teammates on fun challenges and Q&A sessions, fostering team spirit and showcasing her personality. Crawford’s engagement with fans through comments and direct messages has further strengthened her connection with supporters.
Potential WNBA Endorsement Deals
As Crawford continues to excel on the court, she’s positioning herself for potential WNBA endorsement deals. Her consistent performance and growing social media following make her an attractive prospect for brands looking to reach younger demographics.
Sports analysts predict Crawford could secure deals with athletic wear companies, given her style of play and fitness-focused social media content. Her financial literacy work with the regional bank also opens doors for partnerships in the finance sector.
Crawford’s agent has reportedly been in talks with national brands about future collaborations, contingent on her WNBA draft prospects. These potential deals could include sports drinks, workout equipment, and lifestyle brands targeting active young adults.
WNBA Outlook And Future Prospects
Delanie Crawford’s exceptional performance at Tulsa has caught the attention of WNBA scouts. Her scoring ability and versatility make her a promising prospect for the professional league.
Potential As A Future WNBA Star
Crawford’s shooting touch and scoring prowess could translate well to the WNBA. Her 99 three-pointers in a single season show she can be a threat from beyond the arc.
At 5-foot-11, Crawford has good size for a guard in the WNBA. Her ability to rebound and defend multiple positions adds value.
Crawford’s leadership and work ethic are assets that could help her succeed at the next level. She’s shown steady improvement each year at Tulsa.
Draft Projections
Many analysts project Crawford as a potential first-round pick in the WNBA draft. Her stock has risen after being named to the 2025 Becky Hammon Mid-Major Player of the Year Award Watch list.
Crawford’s scoring ability and three-point shooting make her an attractive option for teams looking to add offensive firepower.
Her versatility could see her drafted as high as the late lottery, depending on team needs and her performance in pre-draft workouts.
Potential Teams
Teams in need of scoring guards could target Crawford. The Atlanta Dream and Chicago Sky have shown interest in players with her skill set.
Crawford’s ability to play both guard positions makes her valuable to teams looking for backcourt depth.
The New York Liberty might see Crawford as a good fit in their up-tempo offense that values three-point shooting.
Impact On The WNBA And Career Trajectory
Crawford has the potential to make an immediate impact as a scorer off the bench in her rookie season. Her three-point shooting could space the floor for WNBA offenses.
With continued development, Crawford could grow into a starting role by her third or fourth season. Her all-around game suggests she could become a valuable two-way player.
Crawford’s success could inspire more mid-major players to pursue WNBA careers. Her journey from Tulsa to the pros could serve as a blueprint for others.
Call To Action
Delanie Crawford’s impressive performance for Tulsa deserves recognition. Fans and basketball enthusiasts can support her career and stay updated on her achievements through various means.
Reader Engagement
Tulsa basketball fans can actively support Delanie Crawford by attending home games at the Donald W. Reynolds Center. Ticket information is available on the official Tulsa Athletics website. Cheering from the stands boosts team morale and creates an electric atmosphere.
Students can join the student section to show school spirit. Alumni and local community members can purchase season tickets for consistent support. Single-game tickets are also an option for those with busy schedules.
Signing up for the Tulsa Athletics newsletter keeps fans informed about upcoming games, player stats, and special events featuring Delanie Crawford.
Social Media Promotion
Following Delanie Crawford and Tulsa Women’s Basketball on social media platforms is an easy way to stay connected. The team’s official accounts share game highlights, player interviews, and behind-the-scenes content.
Fans can use hashtags like #TulsaWBB and #DelanieCrawford when posting about games or sharing support. This helps increase visibility for Crawford and the team.
Engaging with posts by liking, commenting, and sharing spreads the word about Tulsa Women’s Basketball. It also shows Crawford and her teammates that fans appreciate their hard work on the court.
Related Articles And Further Reading
To dive deeper into Delanie Crawford’s career, fans can explore her player profile on the Tulsa Athletics website. This page offers detailed stats and background information.
ESPN+ provides coverage of many Tulsa games, allowing fans to watch Crawford in action. Subscribing to this service ensures access to live games and replays.
Local news outlets like Tulsa People often feature articles about Crawford’s achievements. Their Q&A with Delanie Crawford offers personal insights into her basketball journey.
Following American Athletic Conference news keeps fans updated on Crawford’s performance in league play and any honors she receives.
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