Northwestern State University of Louisana

Coach Dan Bell on Banks: "Roman could be the Microwave. Vinnie Johnson is who he reminds me of, he's so stinkin' strong right now. I think he can take it to the rack and score on anybody. My biggest concern is that hamstring pulls are tough psychological things to get by. We've just got to get Roman in synch with what's enough and what's too much. He's got to find a happy balance, because I think he can go score it at any time."

Banks" Honors: Demon Co-Captain 1989-92; All-Southland Conference Second Team 1989-90; All-SLC Tournament 1990; Honorable Mention All-Louisiana 1989-90; Preseason All-SLC first team 1990-91; Preseason All-SLC second team 1991-92

In 1990-91: Received a medical hardship waiver (redshirt year) because of a hamstring injury suffered Dec. 8, when he scored 20 points at Centenary. In that game, he hit 12-12 on TFs to tie a school record. He sat out the next four games, then gave one of the most courageous performances ever by a Demon, scoring 13 points and handing out 5 assists in 29 pain-filled minutes, dragging his re-injured leg for the last few minutes, to key a win at U.S. International on Jan. 3. He applied for the redshirt a week later.

In 1989-90: Led the SLC in assists (157) and was second in steals (50). Banks led the Demons in scoring (14.7 ppg) and shot 51.2 percent from the field, 72.2 percent from the line. He hit 60 percent of his shots in the last 10 games, averaging 18.1 pg in that stretch -- including a career-high 29 vs. SW Texas. His 28 vs. SWT in the opening round of the SLC Tournament lifted the Demons into the SLC semis.

1988-89: Fourth on the team in scoring (11.4 ppg) and shot 53 percent from teh field. He improved his shooting aim by 10% over his freshman year. Banks was second on the squad with 116 assists and led the team in scoring twice, with a season-high 23 in a win over SLC Tournament champion McNeese State. He drew a holding foul on a critical inbounds play with 12 seconds left and hit a fre throw for NSU's final point in the 85-82 win at Kentucky.

In 1987-88: Won two games with last-second shots, hitting a running 6-footer at the buzzer to put away Stephen F. Austin 55-54 and nailing an 8-footer with 0:05 left to beat Texas-Arlington 61-59. Banks started the first eight games of the season, scoring in double figures in his first five outings. He was second on the team in assists (105) and steals (35). Banks had a season-high 19 points in an OT win at McNeese.

At Captain Shreve HS: Honorable mention All-State Class 4A guard who averaged 22.7 ppg and 7.6 assists pg to lead the Gators to a 28-7 record as a senior. A three-time All-District 2-AAAA pick, Banks was all-city as a senior.

Personal:  Roman Patrick Banks is the son of Cleophus and Linda Banks. He has one sister, Capathia. Nicknamed "Romeo," he is a business major on course to graduate May 1992