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Iowa's Tavion Banks declares for NBA draft, hopeful of return to Hawkeyes
Banks also enters transfer portal, but says he wants to stay at Iowa if granted extra year of eligibility.
Apr. 16, 2026 at 5:40pm
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Tavion Banks' NBA draft declaration and transfer portal entry create uncertainty, but a potential return to Iowa could boost the Hawkeyes' championship aspirations.Iowa City TodayIowa guard/forward Tavion Banks has declared for the NBA draft while also entering the transfer portal, but the 23-year-old said he would like to return to the Hawkeyes next season if granted a fifth year of college eligibility. Banks, who averaged 10.2 points and 4.6 rebounds per game for Iowa's Elite Eight team, followed coach Ben McCollum from Drake to Iowa last season.
Why it matters
Banks' decision to enter the NBA draft and transfer portal creates uncertainty around the Hawkeyes' roster heading into next season, as the team looks to build on its surprise run to the Elite Eight. If Banks is granted a fifth year, his return would provide a major boost to Iowa's lineup and championship aspirations.
The details
Banks, a 6-foot-7 wing, had a standout first season at Iowa, helping the team reach the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament before falling to Illinois. He averaged 10.2 points and 4.6 rebounds per game, and scored a team-high 20 points in Iowa's second-round upset of 2025 national champion Florida. Banks followed coach Ben McCollum from Drake, where he averaged 10.1 points and 5.0 rebounds in 2024-25.
- Banks declared for the NBA draft on Wednesday, April 16, 2026.
- Banks also entered the transfer portal on Wednesday, April 16, 2026.
The players
Tavion Banks
A 23-year-old guard/forward who played his first season at Iowa in 2025-26 after transferring from Drake, where he played for two seasons under coach Ben McCollum.
Ben McCollum
The head coach of the Iowa Hawkeyes men's basketball team, who previously coached Tavion Banks at Drake.
What they’re saying
“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. If a fifth year becomes an option, I want to be a Hawkeye!”
— Tavion Banks, Iowa Guard/Forward
“Competing as a Hawkeye this past season and helping lead this team to the Elite Eight was an amazing experience. This was one of the best years of my life and it was everything I could have imagined. I want to thank my family, coaches, teammates and Hawkeye Nation for making this a memorable year in my basketball journey.”
— Tavion Banks, Iowa Guard/Forward
What’s next
Banks will await a decision on whether he will be granted a fifth year of college eligibility. If granted, he has indicated he would like to return to Iowa and continue playing for the Hawkeyes.
The takeaway
Banks' decision to enter the NBA draft and transfer portal creates uncertainty around Iowa's roster, but if he is granted a fifth year of eligibility, his return would be a major boost for the Hawkeyes as they look to build on their surprise Elite Eight run.
