Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Combine paprika, ½ teaspoon salt, and black pepper; rub evenly over pork. Coat hot skillet with cooking spray. Add pork to pan; cook 10 minutes, turning to brown on all sides; transfer to an electric slow cooker.
To the skillet, add stock and next 4 ingredients (through crushed red pepper); bring to a boil over medium heat. Add preserves, stirring with a whisk. Pour mixture over pork; top with onion and garlic.
Cover crock pot and cook on low for 7-9 hours or until pork is very tender. Remove pork from pan, reserving liquid; cool slightly. Shred with 2 forks. Remove onion with a slotted spoon; add to pork.
Discard half of the reserved liquid and heat remainder in a sauce pan over medium heat; stir bourbon and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes or until mixture is reduced by half. Combine cold water and cornstarch in a small bowl, stirring with a whisk; add cornstarch mixture to sauce, stirring constantly until thickened. Stir in remaining ¾ teaspoon salt. Drizzle sauce over pork; toss gently to coat. Serve on buns, if desired.