Colorado University Athletics
Jade Crook to Return to Buffs Squad for 2026-27 Season
April 03, 2026 | Women's Basketball
Freshman Center Is a Key Player in the Post for the Buffs
BOULDER, Colo – The Colorado women's basketball team will be bringing back standout freshman center Jade Crook (Albury, Australia/Basketball Australia Center of Excellence/Lake Ginninderra College) who will be returning to the Buffaloes roster for the 2026-27 season, head coach JR Payne announced today.
Crook started in one game and appeared in 33 for Colorado this season, averaging 3.1 points per game. She registered nine games with five or more points, and scored an impressive total of 102 points in only 10.9 minutes of playing time per contest. She shot 49.4% from the field on the season and posted 2.0 rebounds per game.
"JC's work ethic and toughness embody everything our culture is about," said Payne. "I'm excited to see her growth over the coming months, and I have no doubt she'll be a major force for us in the post next season."
"I'm really excited to be back for my sophomore season," said Crook. "Colorado has become home for me. The people, the coaches, and the fans make it so special. I'm grateful for the opportunity to keep growing here and can't wait to get back to work with this team!"
Crook kicked off her collegiate career with her first double-digit scoring performance during the Buffs' home opener versus New Mexico with 12 points and seven rebounds, shooting 57.1% (Nov. 6). She also had five or more rebounds in four games over the season. Crook finished her debut season with the Buffs with 102 points, 66 rebounds, 10 assists, eight blocks and 11 steals.
Colorado women's basketball wrapped up the 2025-26 season with its 17th NCAA Tournament appearance all-time, falling 66-57 in the First Round to seven-seed Illinois (Mar. 21). CU finished sixth in the Big 12 conference with an 11-7 record, going 22-12 overall and 14-3 at home. The Buffs have won over 20 games in each of the last five seasons and have appeared in the NCAA Tournament in four of the last five years.
For more information on the Colorado women's basketball team, please visit cubuffs.com/wbb. Fans of the Buffs can follow @cubuffswbb on Instagram, X, and Facebook.
