Iowa men’s basketball team has provided Hawkeye supporters with plenty to be happy about on the court throughout the 2025 campaign. The year thus far has been characterized by hard wins, tenacious performances, and consistent improvement under head coach Ben McCollum.
However, one Iowa player demonstrated over the holiday break that the giving spirit continues even after the final buzzer sounds. Before the Hawkeyes return to Carver-Hawkeye Arena to play their final game of 2025 against UMass Lowell, they take a break from competition. During this time, sophomore forward Tavion Banks made an impact that had nothing to do with points or rebounds. Rather, Banks turned into his own version of Santa Claus by helping children in Kansas City, his hometown.
Just days before Christmas, Banks gave cleats to young athletes in the Kansas City area using a portion of his Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) earnings. For the Iowa standout, the seemingly straightforward gesture had profound personal significance. Banks has personal experience growing up in Kansas City.
He is aware of the difficulties that many families encounter, particularly around the holidays. Growing up with a single mother, Banks encountered times when resources were scarce and every chance was crucial. His upbringing has influenced both the player he has become and the person he is still developing into.
When questioned about the reason for the donation, Banks responded, “I know how it is.” Those were not polished or practiced words. They were reflections of personal experience. He clarified that giving back is just a part of who he is and not something he considers optional.
Banks has established himself as one of Iowa’s most formidable rivals on the basketball court. McCollum famously called him a “hungry, tough, pitbull-type kid,” a description that accurately captures the way Banks plays with unwavering energy every night, attacks loose balls, and defends the paint.
However, he approaches life off the floor with the same intensity. The gift revealed a more sensitive and introspective aspect of Banks. It showed a young man who is aware of the responsibility that comes with the platform he has been given. For him, receiving NIL funds is an opportunity to help others as well as a personal gain.
During a season in which he has emerged as a vital member of an Iowa team built on perseverance and hard work, Banks shows generosity. Banks is shooting an outstanding 54 percent from the field and averaging 9.3 points and 4.7 rebounds per game through the first 12 games. His significance in the Hawkeyes’ rotation is highlighted by the fact that both his scoring and rebounding averages are second on the team.
Only a portion of the story is revealed by those figures. Banks is a fan favorite at Carver-Hawkeye Arena because of his physicality, willingness to work hard, and ability to influence the game without demanding attention. He doesn’t avoid making contact. He doesn’t give up. Furthermore, he hardly ever loses a possession.
Banks is aware of the wider picture, though, even as his role on the court continues to expand. He is aware that basketball isn’t everything, despite its significance. His donation had nothing to do with NIL deals or Iowa basketball for the children who got those cleats. It was about being acknowledged, encouraged, and supported to continue pursuing their own goals.
These kinds of moments show why Banks’ story has resonance outside of box office. His choice to use NIL funds to support his community serves as a welcome reminder of what the system can accomplish when used with purpose in a time when discussions about money and branding frequently dominate college athletics.
Banks will once again be relied upon to contribute vigor, toughness, and consistency to the lineup as Iowa gets ready to return from its holiday break and finish the year at home. However, his influence in Kansas City will endure long after the season is over, demonstrating that sometimes the most significant victories take place off the court. Success for Tavion Banks is determined by more than just his performance in the arena. What he gives back when the game is paused and the lights are off defines it.
