Tavion Banks’ time with Iowa men’s basketball appears to be over.
Banks posted a farewell message to the program on Instagram on Aug. 2, signaling that he won’t be back in Iowa City after a two-year run that made him one of the Hawkeyes’ most important pieces last season.
Banks had announced in April that he was declaring for the 2026 NBA Draft while also entering the transfer portal. A recent court injunction opened the door for the 2022 class to receive a fifth season of college eligibility, which included Banks. Even with that extra year available, his social media message points to a departure.
Here’s what Banks wrote:
"Thank you, lowa, for an unforgettable two years.
“To Coach Ben, the entire coaching staff, and all of my teammates-thank you for believing in me, pushing me every day, and making these the best two years of my Division I basketball journey. The relationships, lessons, and memories we've built will stay with me forever.
“We made history everywhere we went, but what I'll cherish most are the people who made it all possible.
“I always wanted to make history everywhere I go! Time to make history at the next!
“And to the best fan base in the country-thank you for embracing me, supporting me through every high and low, and showing unconditional love from day one. Your energy and passion made every game special, and I'Il never forget what it felt like to wear lowa across my chest.
“Much love to you all. Thank you for everything. Forever grateful.
“Much love!
“Bankkksssssssss!"
Banks started his college path at the junior college level for two seasons before transferring to Drake, where he earned Missouri Valley Conference Sixth Man of the Year honors in 2024-25. He later became one of six Drake transfers to follow coach Ben McCollum to Iowa.
Last season, Banks played in all 37 games and started every game except two. He led Iowa in rebounding and ranked second on the team in scoring, giving the Hawkeyes a steady boost alongside Bennett Stirtz.
He reached double figures 19 times, including a 26-point game in a road win at Indiana. He also turned in one of Iowa’s biggest moments of the season with a 20-point outing in the Hawkeyes’ upset of 1-seed Florida in the NCAA Tournament.
Iowa’s roster has already taken shape around plenty of familiar faces from last season’s Elite Eight group. The Hawkeyes returned 10 players, including Cam Manyawu, Kael Combs, Cooper Koch, Tate Sage and Isaia Howard. They also added four newcomers: transfers Ty’Reek Coleman from Illinois State and Andrew McKeever from Saint Mary’s, plus high school prospects Ethan Harris and Jaidyn Coon.
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Tavion Banks Just Left Iowa Fans Waiting On One Big Decision
A Colorado judges ruling this week opened the door for members of the 2022 recruiting class, including Tavion Banks, to gain an extra year of NCAA eligibility under the new five-year model. For Iowa, it keeps alive the possibility of bringing back a player who had already applied for a fifth year after exhausting his eligibility, and who had previously signaled a desire to return.
Banks, though, has not locked in that path. After the ruling, he made clear he is weighing the best basketball fit for next season, leaving his college future in flux and Iowa still waiting for a final answer on whether one more run in Iowa City is actually in the cards. [Read more 🡒]