Just two days after Jose Vitor Leme made history with his third World Title and a flawless 8-for-8 run at the PBR World Finals, the focus has already shifted to the future with the PBR Teams draft.
Arizona Ridge Riders Head Coach Colby Yates and General Manager Casey Lane have been actively scouting for talent all year. They recently attended the first-ever bull riding combine in Brazil.
“We’re looking for talent year-round,” said Yates. “Being able to scout in places like Brazil, Australia, Canada, and across the U.S. is huge for the sport.”
Their approach goes beyond just stats and scores. Lane emphasized how the team format has changed the way they evaluate riders. “We’re not just looking for the best bull rider,” he said.
Yates added, “Bull riding is one piece of it—and it’s a very important piece—but there’s a lot more we’re looking for. We want guys with passion, who fit into our team.”
Lane concluded, “This format lets us evaluate riders for their pure potential, not just what they can do right now.”
The Arizona Ridge Riders held the first overall pick in the PBR Teams draft and welcomed Jhon Carlos Moreira to their roster for this season.