The curious saga of Tavion Banks continues after he was granted an injunction to return for another season.
After being a part of Iowa's improbable run to the Elite Eight, Banks was out of eligibility under the old rules and announced he was testing the NBA Draft process while also entering the transfer portal. He also admitted that if he was granted another year of eligibility, he wanted to return to Iowa City, but as the offseason progressed, that became less and less likely. Now with another year of eligibility, Banks is taking his talents elsewhere.
Banks snubbed Iowa in his final four, canceling a renuion with the Hawkeyes
The NCAA eligibility rules continue to evolve, and a recent ruling by a Colorado federal judge complicated the situation even more. The NCAA established a new 5-for-5 eligibility rule, removing redshirts and injury waivers in favor of a five-year model. Everyone receives five years of eligibility starting from when they enroll in college or after their 19th birthday. The new rules did not grandfather in the 2022 recruiting class, prompting a lawsuit against the NCAA. An injunction was granted, and members of the class could apply for another year of eligibility. Banks did just that and finally received his injunction last Friday.
Unfortunately for the Hawkeyes and Hawkeye fans, Banks isn't coming back to Iowa City like he initally admitted he would.
After receiving his injunction on Friday, Iowa transfer Tavion Banks is focused on a short list of schools, source tells @247sports
— Dushawn London (@DushawnLondon1) August 17, 2026
- Gonzaga
- LSU
- Mississippi State
- Oklahoma pic.twitter.com/MUKmQAcHz4
Banks' return to Iowa City became less and less of a sure thing as time passed, and after Judge Charlotte Sweeney granted an injunction to the class, he released a statement thanking the program while also claiming he needed to find the best basketball fit for him. That statement hinted he would not return to Iowa City, and now he has officially put those rumors to bed. Banks revealed the top four programs he is focusing on, including Gonzaga, LSU, Mississippi State, and Oklahoma, snubbing his former coach and program.
Banks was a solid addition for Ben McCollum and the Hawkeyes in McCollum's first year in charge of the program, and he finished the season as Iowa's second-leading scorer (10.2) behind Bennett Stirtz, and was tied with Cam Manyawu for the team lead in rebounds per game (4.6). When Stirtz struggled in the postseason, Banks stepped up and made everyone remember that he is a talented player in his own right. After his roller coaster of an offseason, Banks has made it clear that he appreciates his time with McCollum and the Hawkeyes, but it was time for him to seek other opportunities.
He did officially state his reasons for not returning to Iowa City, and while it stinks that he won't run it back with the squad, he has to do what is best for him. Whether it was about money, playing time, postseason opportunity, or a myriad of other possibilities, Banks isn't returning, and we finally have some clarity. The Hawkeyes added multiple talented guards in the offseason, including Ethan Harris, Jaidyn Coon, and Ty'Reek Coleman, which might have impacted Banks' final decision. We also don't know if McCollum even reached out to him for a possible return, but knowing how much he likes to have veteran guys who know his system on the squad, there is a high chance he at least made a phone call.
It stings, but McCollum and the program aren't going to lose any sleep over it as they focus on another strong campaign in year two.
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