USA 3×3 basketball’s Dylan Travis: ‘The no-name creator’

In the real world, Dylan Travis should not be sporting Team USA across his basketball jersey this summer in Paris. Then

By NCAA.org

Logically speaking, Dylan Travis should not be wearing Team USA across his basketball jersey this summer in Paris.

But this 31 year old special education teacher’s career in basketball is a challenge to the logic of.

There is a belief that the Omaha, Nebraska, native was the best player in the state, scoring the highest score in his final year at high school. However, the team was unable to obtain division I acceptances. He signed an agreement with 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 explained to reporters. “I was unable to keep my head in the right place I was constantly getting into trouble and speaking to coaches. “

One year later, he was at Midland and later transferring out of Midland into Iowa Central Community College. He knew that if he succeeded in pursuing the right route that it would help him gain entry in to Division I basketball.

“I had to mature a lot going into Iowa Central,” Travis said. “Coach (Dennis) Pilcher, Hall of Fame coach at the juco levels, was a huge help to me. This helped me shape to where I am today. “

Travis was two-time participant at Florida Southern, where he was part of the team which won the DII national championship in their junior season. (Photo taken by Florida Southern)

He was a huge success experienced while during his time at Iowa Central, where he averaged 18.3 points per game led him to sign with Florida Southern, a Division II school.

And then, Travis thrived. In his final year of high school, the Moccasins were awarded their very first Division II national championship. The next season, the much-anticipated Division I opportunity came around.

“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 wonderful especially after all the trips. It was like heaven.

“Be a good teammate, and be a good player on the court wherever you’re in the world, it is the most important thing. I’ve learned lots about this while I was studying at Florida Southern. “

Travis has been named one of athletes on the initial Team USA squad to compete in the men’s 3×3 basketball event during the Olympics. (Photo by Mike Coppola / Getty Images)

Following his graduation, Travis played overseas in Germany and Australia. After four years, he took the decision to stop playing basketball instead of seeking a position within the field of education.

Travis was still active in the sport of basketball, as an assistant coach for the team at his school. He didn’t ever think about competing again until a close friend suggested that he take part in Omaha’s 3×3 competition.

Travis was amazed by the 3×3 sports and began by playing in his 3Ball Omaha team 3Ball Omaha and continued to participate at more than 150 games at the top level of professional competition. He eventually got to know his potential teammates, Jimmer Fredette, Kareem Maddox along with Canyon Barry, on the circuit. The group was later picked by USA Basketball.

The team from November was ranked at the top of its class and was granted an Olympic chance for representing blue, white as well as red.

Team HTML0 has great record, including silver medals at the 2022 3×3 FIBA AmeriCup as well as in 2023 at the Pan American Games, plus silver at the 2023 FIBA 3×3 World Cup.

With all of the successes his team has achieved on his court games, Travis is most happy that his mother is at Paris watching his sport.

“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,” the man added. “She’s not been out of the States and so seeing her (in Paris) will mean much to me. “

As Travis is getting ready to go for Olympics Travis feels at comfortable 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 added. “We’re experienced, and we’re able to carry this upon our backs. We’re excited for the test. “

Reminiscing over his work, Travis appreciates his roller-coaster experience.

“I’m just the no-name that made it,” declared 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 said. “If you like the game, stay to it. “

U.S. men’s 3×3 basketball team consists of (from from left to right) Canyon Barry, Kareem Maddox, Jimmer Fredette and Dylan Travis. (Photo from USA Basketball)