James Banks III Bio
James Alton Banks III is an American professional basketball player for the Austin Spurs of the NBA G League. He played college basketball for the Texas Longhorns and Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets. In the 2020-21 season, he led the Israel Basketball Premier League in blocked shots per game, showcasing his defensive prowess and establishing himself as a formidable presence on the court.
Early Life and Background
James Banks III was born on January 16, 1998, in Decatur, Georgia, USA. He grew up in a family that faced significant challenges; his father, James Banks Jr., tragically died in a motorcycle accident when James was just four years old. His mother, Sonja, was paralyzed in a car accident in 2015, which profoundly impacted his life. Despite these hardships, Banks found solace in sports, initially playing football until he discovered his passion for basketball in high school.
He attended several high schools, including Columbia High School, St. Francis High School, Mount Vernon Presbyterian School, and La Lumiere School. At Mount Vernon Presbyterian, he averaged 23 points and 14 rebounds per game as a junior. After being ruled ineligible by the Georgia High School Association for an address issue, he transferred to La Lumiere for his senior year, where he led the team to its first-ever appearance in the High School Nationals title game. His impressive high school performance earned him a four-star recruit status and a commitment to play college basketball at the University of Texas at Austin.
Path to Basketball
James Banks III began his college basketball career at the University of Texas, where he played for two seasons. However, he struggled to find significant playing time, averaging under two points per game. After his sophomore season, he transferred to Georgia Tech, where he received a waiver for immediate eligibility. At Georgia Tech, he made a substantial impact, recording a career-high of 24 points and 11 rebounds in a game against Louisville during his junior year. He averaged 10.5 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks per game, ranking 10th nationally in blocks and earning a spot on the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) All-Defensive Team.
In his senior year, Banks continued to excel, averaging 9.5 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks per game. He finished with the eighth-most career blocks in Georgia Tech history and was named to the ACC All-Defensive Team for the second consecutive year. His college career laid a strong foundation for his professional aspirations.
James Banks III Career
Early Career (2020-2021)
James Banks III began his professional career on August 1, 2020, when he signed a one-year contract with Hapoel Be’er Sheva in the Israeli Premier League. During the 2020-21 season, he led the league in blocked shots per game, averaging 1.8 blocks. His performance in Israel helped him gain recognition as a defensive specialist.
After his stint in Israel, Banks participated in the 2021 NBA Summer League with the Cleveland Cavaliers. He later signed with the New Orleans Pelicans but was waived before the season began. Subsequently, he joined the Birmingham Squadron, an NBA G League team, where he continued to develop his skills and gain valuable experience.
Breakthrough (2022-Present)
In February 2022, Banks was traded to the Texas Legends, where he became a key player following injuries to the team’s centers. His performance in the G League further solidified his reputation as a reliable center. In October 2023, he briefly signed with the Boston Celtics but was waived the same day. He then joined the Maine Celtics, showcasing his adaptability and determination to succeed in the league.
On August 28, 2024, Banks signed with the Greek club Aris Thessaloniki, continuing his professional journey overseas. However, he returned to the Maine Celtics in January 2025. For the 2025-26 season, he was added to the roster of the Austin Spurs, the NBA G League affiliate of the San Antonio Spurs, marking another significant step in his career.
Notable Works and Milestones
Throughout his career, James Banks III has been recognized for his defensive skills, earning accolades such as being named to the ACC All-Defensive Team twice. His journey from high school to professional basketball highlights his resilience and commitment to the sport.
James Banks III Award Nominations
James Banks III has received nominations and accolades throughout his career, particularly for his defensive capabilities, including being named to the ACC All-Defensive Team in 2019 and 2020.
James Banks III Awards Won
While James Banks III has not won major awards, his recognition as a two-time member of the ACC All-Defensive Team underscores his impact on the court and his defensive prowess.
James Banks III Family
James Banks III comes from a family that has faced significant challenges. His father, James Banks Jr., passed away when James was young, and his mother, Sonja, has been a source of inspiration for him despite her own struggles. He also has an older sister named Marissa.
Personal Life
James Banks III’s personal life has been shaped by the tragedies he has faced, particularly the loss of his father and the life-changing accident involving his mother. These experiences have instilled in him a strong sense of resilience and determination to succeed in his basketball career.