for me, with the need on that team for a big like me, the opportunity to play in the Winner League, which is one of the biggest leagues over there in Europe ... There’s a lot of spiritual and holy things (to visit)... There’s a lot of history over there." In 2020–21 he led the Israel Basketball Premier League in blocked shots per game (1.8). Birmingham Squadron (2021–2022) In August 2021, Banks joined the Cleveland Cavaliers for the 2021 NBA Summer League and on October 9, 2021, he signed with the New Orleans Pelicans. However, he was waived prior to the start of the season. On October 25, he signed with the Birmingham Squadron as an affiliate player. Texas Legends (2022–present) On February 9, 2022, the Texas Legends traded for Banks, following season-ending injuries to both their centers, Tyler Davis and Loudon Love. National team career Banks won a gold medal with the United States under-18 national team at the 2016 FIBA Americas Under-18 Championship in Valdivia, Chile. He averaged 2.3 points, 4.5 rebounds and 1.8 blocks per game. Personal life When Banks was four years old, his father James Banks Jr. died in a motorcycle accident. In February 2015, his mother, Sonja, was paralyzed in a car accident. She worked as a paralegal before joining the ministry. He has an older sister named Marissa. References External links Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets bio Texas Longhorns bio 1998 births Living people American expatriate basketball people in Israel American men's basketball players Basketball players from Georgia (U.S. state) Birmingham Squadron players Centers (basketball) Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets men's basketball players Hapoel Be'er Sheva B.C. players La Lumiere School alumni People from Decatur, Georgia Texas Longhorns men's basketball players