NCAA: Iowa's Tavion Banks declares for NBA draft, hopeful of return to Hawkeyes

Iowa guard/forward Tavion Banks declared for the NBA Draft on Wednesday while also announcing that he will enter the transfer portal.

Banks said that if he is granted a fifth year of eligibility, he would like to return to the Iowa program.

“As I explore all options in continuing my basketball career, I am declaring for the NBA Draft, while also entering my name into the transfer portal in the event that a fifth year is granted,” Banks said in a social media post. “If a fifth year becomes an option, I want to be a Hawkeye!”

The 6-foot-7 forward averaged 10.2 points and 4.6 rebounds per game for the Iowa Hawkeyes this season, helping the team reach the Elite Eight of the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament before falling to the Illinois Fighting Illini.

In the second round, Banks scored a team-high 20 points to help Iowa secure a 73-72 win over defending national champion Florida Gators, marking one of the tournament’s most notable upsets.

This past season was Banks’ first with Iowa after following head coach Ben McCollum from the Drake Bulldogs. He previously averaged 10.1 points and 5.0 rebounds during the 2024-25 season with Drake.

Banks, who turned 23 on April 1, also spent two seasons at Northwest Florida State College before transferring to Drake.

While awaiting a decision on a potential additional year of eligibility, Banks reflected on his lone season in Iowa City.

“Competing as a Hawkeye this past season and helping lead this team to the Elite Eight was an amazing experience,” Banks said. “This was one of the best years of my life. I’m grateful to my family, coaches, teammates, and Hawkeye Nation for making it a memorable part of my basketball journey.” -Field Level Media/Reuters