As the 2024 Summer Paralympics approach, Team USA’s men’s wheelchair basketball squad announcement has brought in anticipation and excitement. Imagine a buzzing gym in the heart of the U.S., where the echoes of dribbling basketballs and the sound of squeaking wheels on the court blend into a rhythmic symphony. The air is thick with focus and camaraderie as the players, each with a unique journey, work tirelessly to sharpen their skills and build the chemistry necessary for Paralympic success.
Team USA has been a dominating force in Men’s wheelchair basketball since its debut in 1960 where they won gold following gold medals in 1964, 1972, 1976, 1988, 2016, and 2020, silver in 1968, and bronze in 1980, 1996, 2000 and 2012. Every player on this team has a distinct tale and a verified history, showcasing their commitment and talent in the game. Let’s delve into the details of the players who will represent the United States and aim for glory on the international stage. Here’s a closer look at the individuals driving the team’s pursuit of Paralympic success.
Meet the 2024 Team USA Men’s Wheelchair Basketball Roster
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1. Steve Serio- Steve Serio, the flag bearer of Team USA for Paralympic 2024, will be playing his fifth Paralympic Games. He has been the cornerstone of Team USA’s success for over a decade. The Point Guard is a graduate of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Serio known for his exceptional leadership, court vision, and ability to manage the game’s tempo has won three medals for USA in Paralympics, which includes two golds in the year 2016 and 2020 and a bronze in 2012. He is also a five-time medallist at the World Championship, including gold in 2022, silver in 2006, 2014, and 2018, and bronze in 2010.
Steve Serio shared his excitement on Instagram, posting a radiant photo of himself proudly as the flag bearer. To represent Team USA at the 2024 Paralympics his joy was palpable, symbolizing both personal and national pride.
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2. Brian Bell- Brain Bell, another dominant player for the USA, known for his defensive prowess will be playing his second Paralympics Games. The forward won two gold medals in the 2020 and 2026 Paralympics. The DeVry University Alum was the instrument for the USA’s World Championship silver victory in 2018, where he scored 14 points. He has also won gold in 2022 and silver in the 2014 World Championship.
3. Trevon Jenifer– Trevon Jenifer from the University of Pennsylvania known for his speed and scoring ability will be playing his fourth Paralympics. Jenifer has been a shining star ever since he won gold at the 2023 Parapan American Games. The American Guard has registered numerous medals under his name, including gold in 2016 and 2020 and bronze in 2012 for the Paralympics. He also won the World Championship three times, winning gold in 2022 and silver in 2014 and 2018.
4. Paul Schulte- Paul Schulte is a versatile and experienced forward who has been a key player in multiple international events. He is also one of the most decorated athletes in sports who has won the Paralympics two times by winning a bronze in 2000 and 2012. The University of Texas student is also a four-time medallist at the World Championship securing his gold in 1998 and 2002, silver in 1997, and bronze in 2001. Schulte’s ability to adapt to different game situations has been a major asset to Team USA.
5. Jake Williams- Jake Willaims, the two-time Paralympics gold winner in 2016 and 2020 joins the squad after winning gold at the 2023 Parapan American Games, where he averaged his best 16 points per game. The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Alum is also a World Champion as he won gold in the 2022 World Championship. His performances in domestic leagues and international tournaments have shown great promise, making him a valuable player for Team USA.
6. Nate Hinze- University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Alum, Nate Hinze, will be appearing for his fourth Paralympics after winning Paralympics gold in 2020 and bronze in 2012. The Guard known for his defensive skills and playmaking has also won bronze in the 2014 World Championship. Hinze’s ability to manage the game’s pace and disrupt opponents’ plays has been a key part of his role.
7. John Boie- After his successful Paralympics debut in 2020 with a gold medal, John Boie from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater makes it to the 2024 squad. With a solid track with his experience in international competition, Boie won gold in 2022 and silver in 2018 at the World Championship. His contributions to the team have been marked by his strong play in the forward position and his ability to make impactful plays when needed.
John Boie shared a vibrant photo on Instagram, capturing a moment with the Paralympic team. His post radiated enthusiasm and unity, highlighting the strong bond and collective spirit of the squad as they prepared for the 2024 Games. The photo exemplified their readiness and excitement for the competition.
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8. Jorge Salazar- Jorge Salazar joins the U.S. Men’s National Team for the 2024 Paralympics after a stellar performance at the 2023 Parapan American Games, where he secured a gold medal. Salazar’s impressive resume includes gold medals at the 2022 IWBF Americas Cup and World Championships. A former U.S. Marine Corps Corporal, he is a Bronze Star and Purple Heart recipient. He was previously a member of the gold-winning 2017 IWBF Americas Cup team and served as an alternate for Team USA in 2019 and 2020.
9. Fabian Romo- Fabian Romo from the University of Texas-Arlington makes his Paralympic debut in 2024. Romo has been instrumental in recent victories, including the 2023 Parapan American Games and the 2022 World Championships and Americas Cup. His previous Team USA experience includes an alternate role in 2020 and participation in the 2017 IWBF U23 World Championships and Americas Zonal Qualifier.
10. Talen Jourdan- Talen Jourdan joins the 2024 Paralympic roster after contributing to gold-medal wins at the 2023 Parapan American Games the 2022 World Championships and the Americas Cup. This will be his Paralympic debut. At the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, Jourdan earned First Team All-America honors and led his team to the NWBA Men’s Intercollegiate Division National Championship.
Talen Jourdan took to Instagram, excitedly declaring, “The Dons are ready @paralympics!” His post exuded confidence and anticipation, showcasing his eagerness for the upcoming Games and the strong team spirit of the squad. The message underscored their readiness and determination as they gear up for the competition
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11. Jeromie Meyer- Jeromie Meyer from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater makes his Paralympic debut in 2024. Meyer played a key role in the 2023 Parapan American Games, the 2022 World Championships, and the Americas Cup. His national team experience began with the 2017 IWBF U23 World Championships and America’s Zonal Qualifier.
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12. AJ Fitzpatrick- AJ Fitzpatrick joins the 2024 Paralympics roster after his first U.S. National Team appearance at the 2023 Parapan American Games, where he helped secure gold. A sophomore at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, Fitzpatrick earned Second Team All-America honors and contributed to his team’s NWBA Men’s Intercollegiate Division National Championship victory.
Some Alternates to the roster are Peter Berry, Aaron Gouge, Ryan Neiswender, and Jorge Sanchez.
The Team’s Coaching Staff includes:
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Head Coach | Robb Taylor |
Assistant Coaches | Scott Meyer and Michael Paye |
Team Leader | Tony Frescas |
Athletic Trainer | Jeremy Johnson |
Strength and Conditioning Coach | Katie McClosky |
Sports Dietitian | Marta Scechura |
Sport Psychologist | Adam O’Neil |
The team is ready to take on the competition and display its skills globally, thanks to its talented roster and experienced coaching staff. Fans and supporters will anxiously await the team’s performance as the Games approach, hoping for Paralympic success.
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