USA 3-x3 basketball’s Dylan Travis: ‘The no-name who made it’
In reality, Dylan Travis should not be wearing Team USA across his basketball jersey this summer in Paris. Then
By NCAA.org
Logically, Dylan Travis should not be sporting Team USA across his basketball jersey this summer in Paris.
However, this 31 year old special education instructor’s career in basketball defies the logic of.
It is believed that the Omaha, Nebraska, native was the top player in his state scoring his final year in high school, but he was not able to secure Division I offers. He signed a commitment to Midland University, a National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics school located in Fremont, Nebraska.
“Being all-state coming out of high school, (I) was humbled my first year at an NAIA school,” the 6-foot-3 guard told reporters. “I didn’t have my head on straight, kind of getting in trouble and stuff, talking back to coaches.”
After one year at Midland and then transferring from Midland to Iowa Central Community College. He was aware that if he achieved the right path, it could help him get into Division I basketball.
“I had to mature a lot going into Iowa Central,” Travis stated. “Coach (Dennis) Pilcher, Hall of Fame coach at the juco level, really helped me. That kind of shaped me to where I’m at now.”
The success he had during his time at Iowa Central, where he averaged 18.3 points per game, motivated him to sign with Florida Southern, a Division II school.
Then, Travis thrived. When he was in his senior year the Moccasins took home their first Division II national championship. The following season the eagerly-awaited Division I offer came along.
“By the time I was in my teens I was done with it. I attended Florida Southern and was an All-American in my senior year.” Travis said. “Florida Southern was great, particularly after all the visits. It was like heaven.
“Be a great teammate, be a nice player off the court, no matter where you’re around the globe, it is what really matters. I learned a lot about this during my time at Florida Southern.”
Following graduation, Travis played overseas in Germany and Australia. After four years, he made the decision to quit basketball instead of pursuing a job in education.
Travis continued to be involved in basketball as a coach for the team of his high school. He didn’t think to compete once more until a friend suggested participating in Omaha’s 3×3 competition circuit.
Travis was awed by the 3×3 sport, beginning playing with his 3Ball Omaha team 3Ball Omaha and continuing to take part in more than 150 matches on the professional circuit. He eventually met the future teammates, Jimmer Fredette, Kareem Maddox, and Canyon Barry, on the circuit. The group was later selected from USA Basketball.
The team in November placed second in the world, and was awarded an Olympic opportunity to represent blue, white, and red.
The team has a strong record, with silver medals from the 2022 FIBA 3×3 AmeriCup and the 2023 Pan American Games, plus silver in the 2023 FIBA 3×3 World Cup.
In all the success he has had in the courts, Travis is most happy that mother can be found in Paris watching his game.
“It’s all me and my mom who are growing as children. She was employed at three different jobs so I could attend an exclusive high school,” he added. “She’s not been out of the States and so seeing her (in Paris) will mean much to me.”
As Travis prepares for the Olympics Travis is feeling at ease with his team.
“We’re the first (U.S. men’s) team that’s been chosen for the Olympics, so there is some pressure and some expectations to win gold and grow the sport,” He stated. “We’re veterans, and we can have that on our shoulders. So we’re looking forward to that challenge.”
Reminiscing about his work, Travis appreciates his roller-coaster experience.
“I’m just the no-name that made it,” said the man. stated.
“I’m in Division II fan and have traveled across the globe playing 3×3. And now I’m playing taking part in the Olympics,” he added. “If you like the game, stay to it.”