IOWA CITY — Tavion Banks shared a farewell message to Iowa men’s basketball via Instagram on Aug. 2.
Banks announced in April that he was declaring for the 2026 NBA Draft while also entering the transfer portal. A recent court injunction gave the 2022 class a fifth season of college eligibility — with Banks falling into that category. However, it appears that Banks will not return to Iowa.
Here is what Banks said via social media:
“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!”
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After playing two seasons at the junior college level, Banks transferred to Drake, where he was the 2024-25 Missouri Valley Conference Sixth Man of the Year. Banks was then one of six Drake transfers to follow head coach Ben McCollum to Iowa.
Banks appeared in all 37 games last season, starting all but two. Banks was Iowa’s leading rebounder and second-leading scorer, serving as an important part of the supporting cast around star Bennett Stirtz. He scored in double figures 19 times, including a 26-point outburst in a road win over Indiana. Banks also delivered a memorable 20-point performance in Iowa’s upset over 1-seed Florida in the NCAA Tournament.
Iowa returned 10 players from last season’s Elite Eight roster, including Cam Manyawu, Kael Combs, Cooper Koch, Tate Sage and Isaia Howard. The Hawkeyes also brought in four newcomers — transfers Ty’Reek Coleman (Illinois State) and Andrew McKeever (Saint Mary’s), along with high school prospects Ethan Harris and Jaidyn Coon.
Follow Tyler Tachman on X @Tyler_T15, contact via email at ttachman@gannett.com
This article originally appeared on Hawk Central: Tavion Banks shares farewell message to Iowa basketball
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