VOTE: What do you think ultimately happens with the LAST Roster Spot (14 of the 15 spots are filled)

See info below & then Vote based on what you think WILL HAPPEN (not what you want to happen)

  • Ben will fill the ONE REMAINING SPOT before Tavion Banks' fate by the NCAA is determined

  • Tavion Banks GETS his NCAA waiver & the spot goes to him

  • Tavion Banks DOES NOT get his waiver & THEN Ben eventually fills the spot

  • Tavion Banks DOES NOT get his waiver AND Ben leaves the roster spot unfilled


Results are only viewable after voting.

Franisdaman

Heisman
Nov 3, 2012
15,270
22,748
113
With the focus on the transfer portal, it's easy to forget about the 10 guys pictured below, but they are all officially signed for next season.

Some were thinking Joey Matteoni and/or Jacob Koch might not be back; they are both returning.

6'7 G/F Tavion Banks (SR)
-- status to be determined.

The other 4 who are signed:
7'3 C..........Andrew McKeever (JR)
6'2 G.........Ty'Reek Coleman (SO)
6'8 PF......Ethan Harris (FR)
6'7 SF......Jaidyn Coon (FR)




We currently have 14 of the 15 roster spots filled for 2026-2027 (13 on scholarship, 1 walk on).

6'4 G Kael Combs (SR)
6'8 F Cam Manyawu (SR)

6'5 G Isaia Howard (JR)
6'2 G Jacob Koch (JR)
7'3 C Andrew McKeever (JR)

6'7 G Tate Sage (SO)
6'8 F Cooper Koch (RS SO)
6'9 F Joey Matteoni (RS SO)
6'11 C Trevin Jirak (SO)
6'2 G Ty'Reek Coleman (SO)

6'8 F Trey Thompson (RS FR)
6'8" PF Ethan Harris (FR)
6'2 G Peyton McCollum (RS FR)
6'7 SF Jaidyn Coon (FR)
 

TheGuy9

Freshman
Mar 25, 2016
60
87
18
Loved the energy that Banks brought to the team, especially on the defensive side, but always felt that he lacked the strength and body type to be consistent in the Big Ten. He had a few really good games and could run the court but that's not Ben's style. In the end my analysis is: good player, not a good fit for the system.
 

TampaHawkFan

All-Conference
Aug 6, 2025
627
1,742
93
Don't really know but I voted that Ben fills the spot sooner than later because it seems like the NCAA is in no hurry, but I guess it depends on if Ben is happy with the roster he has and feels like he can afford to hold out for Tavion. Not sure what else would still be available in the portal by the time we know where things stand.

Edit: Are there even any other portal candidates Ben is actively recruiting now that McKeever has committed?
 
Last edited:
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Franisdaman

Heisman
Nov 3, 2012
15,270
22,748
113
Don't really know but I voted that Ben fills the spot sooner than later because it seems like the NCAA is in no hurry, but I guess it depends on if Ben is happy with the roster he has and feels like he can afford to hold out for Tavion. Not sure what else would still be available in the portal by the time we know where things stand.



The MBB portal window closes tomorrow (April 21, 2026). The WBB portal window closes today.

It will be interesting to see who enters thru tomorrow's deadline.

I think you can exit the portal & sign with a team at any time; you just have to get in by the deadline.
 

Max Rebo

All-Conference
Dec 31, 2022
688
1,866
93
The MBB portal window closes tomorrow (April 21, 2026). The WBB portal window closes today.

It will be interesting to see who enters thru tomorrow's deadline.

I think you can exit the portal & sign with a team at any time; you just have to get in by the deadline.
I feel like I've read something like this before. ;)

Nonetheless, I think the team posting that graphic on Twitter on Saturday, showing everyone coming back, is pretty much confirmation that we won't have any surprise departures.

EDIT: This one:
 

Franisdaman

Heisman
Nov 3, 2012
15,270
22,748
113
I feel like I've read something like this before. ;)

Nonetheless, I think the team posting that graphic on Twitter on Saturday, showing everyone coming back, is pretty much confirmation that we won't have any surprise departures.

EDIT: This one:


I origInally thought the men's and women's portals closed on the same day. I was wrong
 
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Franisdaman

Heisman
Nov 3, 2012
15,270
22,748
113
This isn’t debatable get another guard while the fire is still hot. I for one don’t think he’ll get the waiver. Guards guards guards! Just sayin.

It will be interesting to see if Ben agrees with you & fills the last spot before Tavion's fate is decided.

I just wonder who's available, in our price range, AND a good fit. Just don't want another Brendan Hausen....
 

LakeO83

Redshirt
Jul 10, 2025
10
19
3
I posted this awhile ago in another thread, but I'll ask again here since it never got a response. Why is there so much optimism that Banks will be granted another year. My understanding was that the one player being granted extra years was a one off and others that have since tried to litigate it had not been successful. Lot's of kids with JC years out there so I would think that would be a huge deal and definitely be more talked about. Or maybe it's not a JC thing at all that I've missed with his situation. Could someone explain this?
 
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Franisdaman

Heisman
Nov 3, 2012
15,270
22,748
113
I posted this awhile ago in another thread, but I'll ask again here since it never got a response. Why is there so much optimism that Banks will be granted another year. My understanding was that the one player being granted extra years was a one off and others that have since tried to litigate it had not been successful. Lot's of kids with JC years out there so I would think that would be a huge deal and definitely be more talked about. Or maybe it's not a JC thing at all that I've missed with his situation. Could someone explain this?

I think his appeal is mostly on him playing his first 2 years at a junior college; there might be more, of course....
 
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Franisdaman

Heisman
Nov 3, 2012
15,270
22,748
113
Some excerpts from the linked article:

The Hawkeyes still have room for one more player if they choose to fill that spot. That could come in the form of Tavion Banks, whose future is unclear as he waits to see if he has more college eligibility remaining. Or it could come from another transfer portal addition.

One way or another, Iowa’s roster is in a good spot right now. The Hawkeyes have addressed what was absolutely necessary. Anything else from here is a plus.

The program has built on the momentum from its first Elite Eight appearance since 1987. The floodgates didn’t open as soon as the transfer portal opened [only one Iowa player, Alvaro Folgueiras, entered the transfer portal].

But good things come to those who patiently wait.


 

eyesofhawk

All-Conference
Apr 17, 2011
2,087
2,385
113
Loved the energy that Banks brought to the team, especially on the defensive side, but always felt that he lacked the strength and body type to be consistent in the Big Ten. He had a few really good games and could run the court but that's not Ben's style. In the end my analysis is: good player, not a good fit for the system.
You do realize that Ben's system is primarily predicated on defense, and that Banks was Iowa's best and most versatile defender, right?
 

Burghawk87

All-Conference
Jan 5, 2023
759
1,366
93
You do realize that Ben's system is primarily predicated on defense, and that Banks was Iowa's best and most versatile defender, right?
Advanced stats say Manyawu was the best. I'd link the site but I'm not sure you can read so I'll give you this recipe instead.

Moist Banana Bread Recipe
Prep Time: 10minutes mins
Cook Time: 1hour hr
Total Time: 1hour hr 10minutes mins

Ingredients

US Customary
Metric
Servings: 10 people
3 very ripe bananas, (medium/large)
½ cup unsalted butter, (8 Tbsp) at room temperature
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
½ tsp vanilla extract
1 cup walnuts
½ cup raisins


Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a bread loaf pan (9.25 long x 5.25 wide x 2.75 deep). Lightly roast walnuts on a skillet, continuously stirring so they won’t burn. Coarsely chop and cool to room temperature.
In a mixing bowl, cream together 8 Tbsp softened butter and 3/4 cup sugar (or honey if using honey).
Mash bananas with a fork until the consistency of chunky applesauce and add them to the batter along with 2 eggs, mixing until blended.

In a separate bowl, whisk together: 1 1/2 cups of flour, 1 tsp of baking soda and 1/2 tsp of salt then add to batter.
Add 1/2 tsp of vanilla extract and mix in chopped walnuts and raisins. Pour into prepared loaf pan. Bake at 350˚F for 55-60 min or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let banana bread rest for 10 min before transferring to a wire rack to cool.
 

eyesofhawk

All-Conference
Apr 17, 2011
2,087
2,385
113
Advanced stats say Manyawu was the best. I'd link the site but I'm not sure you can read so I'll give you this recipe instead.

Moist Banana Bread Recipe
Prep Time: 10minutes mins
Cook Time: 1hour hr
Total Time: 1hour hr 10minutes mins

Ingredients

US Customary
Metric
Servings: 10 people
3 very ripe bananas, (medium/large)
½ cup unsalted butter, (8 Tbsp) at room temperature
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
½ tsp vanilla extract
1 cup walnuts
½ cup raisins


Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a bread loaf pan (9.25 long x 5.25 wide x 2.75 deep). Lightly roast walnuts on a skillet, continuously stirring so they won’t burn. Coarsely chop and cool to room temperature.
In a mixing bowl, cream together 8 Tbsp softened butter and 3/4 cup sugar (or honey if using honey).
Mash bananas with a fork until the consistency of chunky applesauce and add them to the batter along with 2 eggs, mixing until blended.

In a separate bowl, whisk together: 1 1/2 cups of flour, 1 tsp of baking soda and 1/2 tsp of salt then add to batter.
Add 1/2 tsp of vanilla extract and mix in chopped walnuts and raisins. Pour into prepared loaf pan. Bake at 350˚F for 55-60 min or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let banana bread rest for 10 min before transferring to a wire rack to cool.
Ever tried zucchini bread?

Cam was great as well.

Given that Banks can guard multiple positions, and guard them all well, I'll take Banks.

I don't put a ton of weight in comparing defensive metrics of players at different positions. Centers are often guarding less skilled players, and are set up to grade well in many categories, such as rim protection
 

TampaHawkFan

All-Conference
Aug 6, 2025
627
1,742
93
Jeremiah Johnson we were hot on his trail. Hes a very capable 3 point shooter that has very good quickness. You NEVER have enough guards. Instead of waiting on something that probably won’t happen grab a good guard now.
Yeah, as much as I like Banks, I think that if there's a good opportunity to grab another impact player now, you have to make the move. Bird in the hand, as they say.
 
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Franisdaman

Heisman
Nov 3, 2012
15,270
22,748
113
I think if Ben finds someone he thinks is a good fit and price, he will take them. Otherwise, hold out for the decision on Tavion...

I would love to have Banks back. Hopefully he can be granted a temporary injunction from a judge, just like Diego Pavia. 🤞🤞🤞

It does make you wonder if a lawyer will ultimately be needed for Tavion to get another year....
 
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Franisdaman

Heisman
Nov 3, 2012
15,270
22,748
113
Jeremiah Johnson we were hot on his trail. Hes a very capable 3 point shooter that has very good quickness. You NEVER have enough guards. Instead of waiting on something that probably won’t happen grab a good guard now.

Will be interesting to see if he (or anyone else) ends up visiting...... things have gotten really quiet now that we have our two main targets
 

MacMiney

Senior
Jul 3, 2025
265
514
93
With respect, from what I've heard the 4th option is the least likely.

The last spot = they are looking for one more guard.

One mention regarding that as an example.. [38:53]

 
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Tsawvell55

Senior
Jul 2, 2025
419
626
93
It will be interesting to see if Ben agrees with you & fills the last spot before Tavion's fate is decided.

I just wonder who's available, in our price range, AND a good fit. Just don't want another Brendan Hausen....
You have to fish before they bite. Let’s fish!
 

Hawktech

Senior
Dec 18, 2022
517
666
93
It does make you wonder if a lawyer will ultimately be needed for Tavion to get another year....
Multiple players have joined the class-action lawsuit against the NCAA. That is how Pavia got his "temporary" injunction.... He did Not win a case trial. The judge just granted the injunction, as the particular case he joined will not be determined in time for the 2026 season...

Need Banks to get in front of That judge!!
 
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Jun 1, 2023
859
908
93
Not that I am aware. And things have been quiet on the Iowa front after landing Coleman & McKeever.
Ben may think we don't need another guard. If Ben gets Sage in the rotation to get him some minutes as appears is the plan that's Coleman, Combs, Howard and Sage. As Sage will get minutes at the 3 and Howard is not a starter, that's Coleman and Combs as starters.
 
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Franisdaman

Heisman
Nov 3, 2012
15,270
22,748
113
I don't recall ever hearing Ben say it but it has been mentioned on here quite a bit this last week.

yeah, Ben got his 2 priorities, the PG and the center.

and I know a lot of people would like Tavion to move on and Ben to grab a shooting guard in the portal....right now there's just not much smoke on that front....
 
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Franisdaman

Heisman
Nov 3, 2012
15,270
22,748
113
click or tap on image for a LARGER view

 
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