Senior Tavion Banks took an unconventional path to Division I college basketball, but he has learned a lot along the way.
Banks started his collegiate playing career at Northwest Florida State, a junior college program in Niceville, Florida.
He spent two seasons with the Raiders before transferring to Drake to play under Ben McCollum, who served as head coach during the 2024-2025 season.
After McCollum took the head coaching job with the Iowa Hawkeyes, Banks followed him, making the leap from JUCO to a mid-major to high Division I.
Banks has been solid as a second option for the Hawkeyes behind Bennett Stirtz this season, and even though his path wasn't always easy, he wouldn't have it any other way.
Banks' path has been unconventional, but it has been 'a fun experience'
With all the changes in college athletics over the past few years, it has become even tougher climb the ranks and be successful at the Division I level, but that is just what Banks has done.
During a portion of Banks' media availability before Senior Day at Carver-Hawkeye Arena (posted by "The Hawkeye Report"), Banks said his climb from JUCO to Division I has been a struggle, but also a blessing.
For Banks, it was a fun experience, and JUCO taught him many things he believes he would not have learned elsewhere.
The Big Ten has been a gauntlet this year, and it has been difficult for Banks at times, but he has enjoyed the physicality.
If the fans remember anything about Banks after he leaves the program, he wants it to be how he responded to being constantly knocked down and how he continued to fight through.