Dylan Travis of USA 3×3 basketball: “The no-name that made it”

Dylan Travis shouldn’t, in theory, be wearing the Team USA logo on his basketball jersey while in Paris this summer.
However, the basketball career of this 31-year-old special education instructor defies reason.

Despite leading his home state in scoring during his final year of high school, the Omaha, Nebraska, native received no Division I offers. He committed to Midland University, a Fremont, Nebraska-based institution that is a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics.
“After graduating from high school as an all-state player, I was humbled during my first year at an NAIA school,” the 6-foot-3 guard remarked. “I didn’t have my head on straight, kind of getting in trouble and stuff, talking back to coaches.”
He moved to Iowa Central Community College after a year at Midland. He was aware that success there may pave the way for him to play Division I basketball.
Travis said, “I had to grow up a lot before coming to Iowa Central.” “Dennis Pilcher, a Hall of Fame juco coach, was a huge assistance to me. That helped to mold me into the person I am today.”
Due to his impressive 18.3 point per game average at Iowa Central, he committed to Division II Florida Southern.
Travis flourished there. The Moccasins won the Division II national title in his junior year. His much anticipated Division I offer arrived after that season.
“I had moved on by then. In my last year, I was an All-American at Florida Southern, “Tax stated. “Florida Southern was excellent, particularly after several stops. “No matter where you’re at in the world, what really matters is being a good teammate and good person off the court. It felt like heaven there.” That’s something Florida Southern taught me a lot.”
Travis performed abroad in Germany and Australia after his graduation. After four years, he made the decision to give up basketball in favor of a career in teaching.
In order to stay active in basketball, Travis coached the squad at his high school. It didn’t occur to him to resume competitive play until his buddy suggested participating in the 3×3 tournament circuit in Omaha.
After joining the 3Ball Omaha squad and participating in more than 150 games on the professional circuit, Travis developed a deep affection for the 3×3 game. On the tour, he eventually ran across Jimmer Fredette, Kareem Maddox, and Canyon Barry, who would become his future partners. The four were later selected by USA Basketball.
The team was awarded an Olympic bid to represent the red, white, and blue in November after ranking second in the globe.
With gold titles from the 2022 FIBA 3×3 AmeriCup and the 2023 Pan American Games, as well as a silver medal from the 2023 FIBA 3×3 World Cup, the team has an amazing record.
Despite all of his achievements on the court, Travis most looks forward to his mother being there to see him play in Paris.
Growing up, it’s just my mom and myself. In order for me to attend a private high school, she worked three jobs,” he stated. “She’s never been outside of the States, so to see her (in Paris) will mean a lot to me.”
Travis is optimistic about his team as they prepare for the Olympics.
“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 said. “Since we are veterans, we can carry that responsibility. We are eager to take on that task, therefore.”
When he looks back on his career, Travis is grateful for the wild ride he had.
“I’m just the no-name that made it,” he said.
As a Division II player, I had the opportunity to play 3×3 all around the globe. I’m in the Olympics now,” he continued. “If you love the game, stick with it.”

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