Bruton legacy lives on at Bullets

The Brisbane Bullets announced on Thursday that they have signed Australian guard Rio Bruton as a Development Player ahead of NBL27.

The 19-year-old’s signing continues a proud family legacy in Brisbane, with both his father, CJ Bruton, and grandfather, Cal Bruton, having won championships with the Bullets.

For Bruton, who is the first third-generation player in NBL history, this move to the Bullets represents another important step in his career at a club with deep familial ties.

“I’m incredibly grateful to begin my professional journey as a Brisbane Bullet in my hometown,” he said.

“Having grown up watching games from the stands, it’s special to now learn from players I once looked up to.

“I’m excited to work with coach [Will] Weaver, and I’ll come in ready to work and keep pushing my development and the team forward.”

Bruton’s route to the Bullets has included time in the Basketball Australia Centre of Excellence, international exposure through the NBA Global Academy Games in Atlanta and the Adelaide 36ers.

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Head Coach Weaver believes Bruton’s skillset makes him a player of promise, while his progression as a player can be facilitated in Brisbane.

“Rio’s ceiling is high; he’s got a great ability to shoot, finish, and defend at a high level at a young age,” Weaver said.

“He clearly has a strong work ethic, and we’re looking forward to helping him develop.”

Bruton, currently averaging 18.8 points, 4.2 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game with South Adelaide in NBL1 Central, joins Tyrell Harrison, Jacob Holt, Taine Murray, Mitch Norton, Sam McDaniel, Harry Rouhliadeff, Lat Mayen and Taine Murray on the Bullets’ roster for the Hungry Jack’s NBL27 Season.

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