Tavion Banks, the 6‑foot‑7 forward who spent the last season with the Iowa Hawkeyes, revealed that he will not return for a fifth year of eligibility despite having been granted that extra season by a federal court.
A Fifth‑Year Decision
The U.S. District Court of Colorado, acting on a ruling by Judge Charlotte Sweeney, cleared the path for all 2022‑class athletes to extend their collegiate careers, but Banks chose to move on, signaling a personal decision rather than a mandate.
In an Instagram post, Banks expressed appreciation for the Hawkeye community, writing that the unwavering passion of the fans had been a defining part of his time in Iowa.
Gratitude on Instagram
After transferring from Drake University, where he averaged 10.2 points and 4.6 rebounds per game, Banks flourished in Iowa, shooting 52 percent from the field, 44.2 percent from three‑point range and 79.2 percent from the free‑throw line across 37 games.
His 20‑point contribution helped Iowa defeat top‑seeded Florida in the second round of the NCAA Tournament, a moment that underscored his impact on the program’s recent surge.
Now the focus shifts to how his departure will shape the 2025‑26 roster and the broader trajectory of the Hawkeyes program, a narrative that fans and analysts will watch closely.