Gerald Paulson was a standout for the basketball program from 1954-57, helping lead the Jaspers to a 49-22 record, their first-ever NCAA Appearance in 1956 and a pair of NIT berths. He graduated third in program history with 1,154 points, in just 69 games, averaging 16.7 points per game. Paulson was selected to play in the 1957 East-West College All-Star Game, and was the MVP of the 1957 ECAC Holiday Festival. Following graduation, he was drafted by the Cincinnati Royals in the third round of the 1957 NBA Draft. Paulson would play six games with the Royals during the 1957-58 season.