In Manchester, Michigan, Paul Schulte – even in his wheelchair – is in no man's shadow. Probably one of the most recognizable figures in his hometown, Schulte roots are deep in his community. And when he brought the U.S. national to Manchester High School for an exhibition game, the crowd's enthusiasm for Paul and his teammates provided the motivational cry – "Remember Manchester!" – that would carry the USA to a world title.

In 1989, Schulte suffered a spinal cord injury just one day after his 10th birthday, and he soon discovered that "shootin' hoops" would become an important part of his rehabilitation regimen.

Paul became a member of the Grand Rapids Junior Pacers, and in 1995, the team won the National Junior Wheelchair Basketball Championship. Two years later, Paul led the Pacers to another national title, earning a spot on the all-tournament team and being named the tournament's Most Valuable Player.

In 1998, at the age of 19, Paul became the youngest player ever to be named to the USA Gold Cup Team. That team traveled to Sydney, Australia, where Paul averaged 15 points in helping the USA Team win the gold medal. He was later named to the 2000 U.S. Paralympic team which won the bronze medal thanks to Paul's game-winning shot in the final game.

Collegiately, Paul led the University of Texas-Arlington to the 2002 National Championship, earning honors as first-team All-America, Academic All-America, the Sportsmanship Award, and the 2002 Player of the Year Award. He followed that performance with another trip to the World Championships where Team USA successfully defended its title.

Paul scored 32 points in the gold medal game against Great Britain and was named MVP of the tournament.