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Iowa basketball's Tavion Banks to 'explore all options' in next step of career
TL;DR
Iowa's Tavion Banks will explore all options for his basketball career, declaring for the 2026 NBA Draft and entering the transfer portal. He expressed a desire to remain with the Hawkeyes if a fifth year of eligibility is granted.
IOWA CITY — Iowa's Tavion Banks will "explore all options" when it comes to the next step of his basketball career, he announced April 15.
That means Banks has declared for the 2026 NBA Draft while also announcing his intention to enter the transfer portal. But Banks stated, "If a fifth year (of college eligibility) becomes an option, I want to be a Hawkeye!"
Banks, who went through senior day at Iowa, played four seasons of college basketball. But because he spent two of those at the junior-college level, the door wasn't closed on the possibility of him being granted more eligibility.
Banks, the 2024-25 Missouri Valley Conference Sixth Man of the Year, was one of the six Drake transfers to follow head coach Ben McCollum to Iowa.
Banks appeared in all 37 games last season, starting all but two. He was Iowa's leading rebounder and second-leading scorer, serving as an important part of the supporting cast around star Bennett Stirtz. Banks scored in double-figures 19 times, including a 26-point outburst in a road win over Indiana. Banks delivered a memorable 20-point performance in Iowa's upset over 1-seed Florida in the NCAA Tournament.
Follow Tyler Tachman on X @Tyler_T15, contact via email at ttachman@gannett.com
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Iowa basketball's Tavion Banks to 'explore all options' in next step of career
Q&A
What options is Tavion Banks exploring for his basketball career?
Tavion Banks is exploring the 2026 NBA Draft and entering the transfer portal while considering a potential fifth year of college eligibility.
Why is Tavion Banks eligible for a fifth year of college basketball?
Tavion Banks is eligible for a fifth year because he spent two of his four college seasons at the junior-college level, which may allow him to receive additional eligibility.
What accolades did Tavion Banks achieve during his college career?
Tavion Banks was named the 2024-25 Missouri Valley Conference Sixth Man of the Year during his college basketball career.
