If the fans love dunks, they’ll love Kris: Who are you Hapoel Beer Sheva big man Kris Bankston?

Jul 25, 2023 | Holyland Hoops

Kris Bankston recently signed with Hapoel Beer Sheva for the 2023/24 season after having attended Norfolk State University. The big man spent 4 years at Little Rock and the past two at Norfolk where he averaged 14.2 points, 7.1 rebounds and 1.5 blocks in his final season in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference where he was named as the part of the top 5 defenders as well. The 24-year old was part of the Minnesota Timberwolves Summer League team before inking a long term deal with the southerners.

“Kris is a young player with great potential and is one of the top big man rookies coming over to Europe. He has incredible athleticism and we believe that we can turn him into a very integral and important player,” sports director Daniel Ravitz said.

To learn more about Kris Bankston, The Sports Rabbi was in touch with a number of his former teammates:

Little Rock Teammates:
Nikola Maric: I liked his game, he is thankful player who knows how to play without the ball and is able to catch lobs. He’s talented as well being able to take midrange shots and use his footwork around the rim, but more importantly I liked his as a teammate because he will never try to bring you down but uplift and make sure you feel comfortable around him.

Wadly Mompremier: Kris Bankston is one of most humblest people I know on this planet. He’s a hardworking individual and awesome teammate. He is also one of the most gifted athletes I have ever been around. Anytime I would be happy to have a player of this caliber on my team.

Isaiah Palermo: Kris Bankston is very selfless and cares about his team. He is a great personality to be around and he is a very fun player to play with.

Oliver Black: Not only did I play with Kris, I was his mentor too. Kris had all the athletic capabilities like myself but he was a little goofy lol. I always told him he had it in him and I believed in him cause he was just like me. I knew all Kris needed was to get his legs stronger and free his mind of “mistake free basketball”. During practices, the weight room, and off the court I would motivate him, remind him that he will be great with time and work. I was like his big bro, I told the coaches from Day 1 “I got him”. Talent recognizes talent and I wanted Kris to be just as good as me or even better. As a leader, I took it upon myself to be for him what Gavin Ware and Roquez Johnson was to me. I’m so proud and happy Kris is pursuing his dreams, we all don’t get to. I’m glad he has a home with the Hapoel Beer Sheva team and I surely was going to get him to play in the TBL with me after he graduated lol.

Marko Lukic: Kris is a great guy and really good teammate. I loved playing with him because he brings so much to the team. He plays excellent defense, is super athletic and plays above the rim. His passing abilities are also really good for someone his size.

Ruot Monyyong: Kris is a great athlete dunks and everything. He will be a player that you haven’t seen before. He does stuff that still surprises me but if the fans love dunks they’ll love him.

Jovan Stulic: Speaking of his game, Kris is a very athletic big man. Probably one of the most athletic bigs I played with. Fans should definitely expect a lot of attractive dunks from him. His mid-range game is good as well and he can attack close-outs as well. As a person, Kris was always willing to help others. He’s a good guy to be around, always positive.

Jaizec Lottie: Kris is a monster. He dunks everything, he’s super explosive and overall is just a great person. Anybody who is lucky enough to get Kris is 1) gonna win games and 2) gonna get themselves a great player but even better person.

Norfolk State Teammates:
Jack Doumbia: As a basketball player, he’s easily one of the most talented players I ever played with because of his athleticism, touch, IQ, versatility. As a person he is very humble, never seen him get in trouble, he was always helping and being patient with us younger guys!

Jalen Hawkins: He has a great motor and rebounds with the best of them. He plays above and over the rim. Always in the right Dunkin spot, great IQ for his side and he could pass with the best of the big men.

George Beale Jr: Kris is a very mature and good person on and of off the court. I really enjoyed playing with him because he always competed and helped my game improve as well. But he’s definitely, if not the most athletic person I’ve played with.

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