While star guard Bennett Stirtz rightfully received most of the credit for Iowa’s Elite 8 run this past NCAA Tournament, there were other key Hawkeyes who deserved credit.
One of them is Tavion Banks (10.2 ppg and 4.6 rpg), second on the team in scoring, who shot 52% from the field. The 6’7 guard/forward has previously announced that he’s not returning to Iowa, while looking to secure one more season of eligibility.
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
Four teams are reportedly in the mix to land Banks. Here’s a closer look at how he’d fit with each of them.
Gonzaga Bulldogs
The Bulldogs have been very active in the portal as of late, landing guard Javon Bennett and 6’10 wing Chauncey Wiggins (13.3 ppg and 3.9 rpg). The recent addition of Wiggins would likely take Gonzaga out of the mix for Banks, since their clear roster need is another ball-handler, which Banks is now. Look for the SEC programs to have a better shot.
LSU Tigers
No team needs more players than LSU, which has fewer than six players cleared to play on its roster. They do have Kansas State transfer Abdi Bashir and international forward Saliou Niang as wing options, but Banks is a better-proven defender who can be a stable starter without needing much usage. The concern is not knowing who else the Tigers will add, but they have the highest ceiling in terms of role potential.
Oklahoma Sooners
The Sooners are another team that has already landed a transfer this offseason, landing SMU guard BJ Edwards to bolster the backcourt. The current options on the wing include former UCF guard Tyler Hendricks and Khani Rooths, a combo forward transfer from Louisville. Banks would have a strong case for starting here or at least earning a sizeable role in the rotation.
Mississippi State Bulldogs
Miss State brings back star guard Josh Hubbard (22.1 ppg), along with seven role player transfers. Banks would add to the mix, but the chances of him being a focal point would be much higher. He’d compete with fellow transfers Thomas Bassong (FSU), Kendyl Sanders (Utah), and Ashton McGee (Southern) and, on paper, would be the top option to start at the small forward position.
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