Iowa forward Tavion Banks has announced a pivotal decision regarding his basketball future, stating he will "explore all options" for the next step in his career. The move, announced on April 15th, sees Banks declaring for the 2026 NBA Draft while also entering the NCAA transfer portal, keeping his path wide open.

Despite this dual declaration, Banks left the door open for a return to Iowa City, emphatically stating, "If a fifth year becomes an option, I want to be a Hawkeye!" Having gone through senior day ceremonies, Banks has played four seasons of college basketball, but his time includes two years at the junior-college level, which leaves the possibility of an additional year of NCAA eligibility on the table.

Banks was a crucial piece for the Hawkeyes this past season after following head coach Ben McCollum from Drake. Honored as the 2024-25 Missouri Valley Conference Sixth Man of the Year, he quickly became a cornerstone in Iowa's lineup, appearing in all 37 games and starting 35 of them.

His impact was undeniable: Banks finished as the team's leading rebounder and second-leading scorer, forming a vital part of the supporting cast around star guard Bennett Stirtz. He scored in double figures 19 times, highlighted by a 26-point performance in a key road win at Indiana. Banks saved one of his best games for the brightest stage, dropping 20 points to help fuel Iowa's memorable upset over 1-seed Florida in the NCAA Tournament.

As the offseason unfolds, Banks' next move will be one to watch, with his proven versatility and clutch playmaking sure to attract attention whether he remains in college or pursues a professional career.