Matt Scott is on course to represent the United States at a fourth straight Paralympic Games ©Getty Images

The United States’ men's wheelchair basketball squad has been cut from 26 to 16 ahead of Rio 2016, following a four-day selection camp at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs.

Taking place from January 3 to 6, the camp saw intense practice and a variety of testing drills held under the watchful eye of the team’s head coach Ron Lykins, who guided the women’s team to Paralympic gold at Athens 2004 and Beijing 2008.

Following its conclusion, Lykins opted to keep three-time Paralympians Matt Scott and Jeremy Lade in contention for Rio, with the duo previously appearing at Athens 2004, Beijing 2008 and London 2012.

Mike Paye and Steve Serio have also been included, the two US team captains at the Toronto 2015 Parapan American Games, where the team defeated Canada 62-39 in the final to claim gold.

Jared Arambula, Brian Bell, John Gilbert, Aaron Gough and Jake Williams were also part of the success in Canada and have kept their bid for inclusion in the Paralympic team alive after impressing at the camp.

Further major tournament experience comes in the form of Josh Turek and Will Waller, who are also targeting their third appearance at the Paralympic Games.

Also included on the squad list are Nate Hinze, Trevon Jenifer, Matt Lesperance, Ian Lynch and Jorge Sanchez.

"It has been a pleasure to work with the high quality of athletes that attended this selection camp," said Lykins.

"I'm thoroughly impressed with their continued improvement each day, and that is all we can ask for.

“We are pleased with the 16 athletes selected and think there is a nice balance between veterans and newcomers, our focus is now turned towards preparing our players to compete in Rio."

Nate Hinze has also been named in the 16-man squad
Nate Hinze has also been named in the 16-man squad ©Getty Images

Further evaluation camps and friendly international competitions are due to be held in the coming months as the selection process continues ahead of Rio 2016, which the team qualified for due to their triumph at the Parapan American Games.

Lykins will be assisted by his coaches Robert Taylor and John Sikora as they look to decide upon the final 12-man squad in June, ahead of the Games in September.

The US will go in search of their first Paralympic gold since Seoul 1988 when they take to the court in Rio.

Since that triumph they have earned three bronze medals, with the last coming at London 2012.