Beyond the Playbook: Duluth’s Paulson brothers living out dreams on different sides of the border
Many athletes grow up with siblings that play the same sports as them. For Rocco Paulson, his older brother plays just across Lake Superior.
Both 6’9 towering giants show their skills on the court, but Rocco is also heavily involved on campus as well.
“I’m a big, personable guy, I like people, so that was a big thing for me,”said the UWS sophomore. “It’s more than just being a basketball player too, being able to do clubs, other stuff. I give tours, so that’s super fun, the flexibility there. I’m not just here just for sports, so I like that I get a balance of both.”
“On campus he’s involved across campus in the athletic department, student government and academically really involved. Student affair wise, very involved. So he’s been a joy for myself, the program and everybody on campus,” said Greg Polkowski, UWS men’s basketball’s head coach.
Paulson hails from Duluth East high school, where he and his brother, Noah, played. But Noah didn’t take his talents to UWS – in fact, the opposite. Noah stayed in Duluth, and now suits up for the UMD Bulldogs.
Teammates growing up, the brothers now battle across the border.
“Getting to play against my brother on a court rather than just in the backyard or at a street court is super fun,” said Rocco.
The Bulldogs and Yellowjackets squared off at the beginning of the season, with the Paulson brothers sharing the floor.
It was a dream come true for both of them, and the brothers continue to support each other on and off the court.
“It’s just really fun. I get to go to his games when we don’t play at the same time. He comes to mine. Just having that close family. My parents split our games, my dad coaches too. So it’s always fun. We always got basketball and just even more reason to be great brothers,” said Rocco.
“It’s been fun to follow him as well, just all of us being in the Twin Ports Area. Rocco’s family’s great, his parents are awesome. They’re awesome supporters of not only their two sons, but of both programs. They just do what’s right. They’ve been a great support to myself as well in the program,” concluded Polkowski.