It makes no sense for Dylan Travis to be competing for Team USA in Paris this summer. Nevertheless, during his basketball career, the 31-year-old Omaha, Nebraska, special education instructor has confounded expectations.
Travis was the top scorer in his final year of high school at Nebraska, however he was not offered a Division I scholarship. Rather, he made a commitment to Midland University, a Fremont, Nebraska, NAIA institution.
"My first year at an NAIA school humbled me as an all-state player coming out of high 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."
Travis moved to Iowa Central Community College following his year at Midland. He was aware that in order to fulfill his ambition of playing Division I basketball, he would need to grow up and succeed there.
Travis stated, "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."
Travis committed to Division II Florida Southern after averaging 18.3 points per game at Iowa Central.
Travis had success at Florida Southern. The Moccasins won the Division II national title in his junior year. He eventually received a Division I offer, but he decided to stay at Florida Southern instead, and in his senior year he was named an All-American.
"I had moved on by then. It was amazing, Florida Southern, especially after all those trips. There, it seemed like heaven," said Travis. "It truly matters where you are in life—to be a good teammate and a good person off the floor. That's something Florida Southern taught me a lot."
Travis played professionally for four years in Germany and Australia following college before opting to go into teaching. He believed his days of being a competitive player were past, having coached the basketball team at his high school, but a friend encouraged him to check out Omaha's 3x3 tournament circuit.
After participating in more than 150 professional games with the 3Ball Omaha squad, Travis developed a deep love for 3x3 basketball. He eventually got to know Kareem Maddox, Canyon Barry, and Jimmer Fredette, who would later become teammates. The three of them were selected by USA Basketball.
The team was invited to represent the United States in the Olympics after finishing second in the world in November. Their stellar record includes a silver medal in the 2023 FIBA 3x3 World Cup and gold medals at the 2022 FIBA 3x3 AmeriCup and the 2023 Pan American Games.
Travis is most grateful that his mother will be in Paris to see him play, despite all of his achievements on the court.
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 stated. "As veterans, we are capable of handling things on our own. 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 3x3 all around the world. I'm in the Olympics right now. Continue playing the game if you enjoy it."
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