The first ever PBR Team Series Draft was one for the books. The Austin Gamblers now has a stacked lineup chosen by some of the best in not only bull riding but major league sports as a whole.
With Head Coach Michael Gaffney and Jeff Shearer serving as Director of Competition and Assistant Coach, the research and time that the entire Gambler team put into preparing for this draft did not go unnoticed.
1. Jose Vitor Leme
In the lottery that was held weeks before the draft was set to take place, the Austin Gamblers drew the No. 1 position in the draft and they took full advantage. They kickstarted history by selecting two-time PBR World Champion Jose Vitor Leme as the first member of the Austin Gamblers. With an astonishing resume at a young 25 years old, Leme was the obvious choice for No. 1 pick.
2. Austin Richardson
The Draft went in a “snake” style format, meaning that the Austin Gamblers were the No. 16 pick in Round 2 and they went with young gun super star, Austin Richardson. Richardson currently sits No. 11 in the PBR World Standings.
3. Lucas Divino
Their Round 3 pick came directly after they selected Richardson and they added Brazil’s Lucas Divino to the roster. The 28-year-old had a standout performance at the PBR World Finals that ended the day before the PBR Teams Draft and he became a hot commodity going into the Draft.
4. Claudio Montanha Jr.
Coach Gaffney and Shearer, along with the Gambler Team, stuck with Brazil for their Round 4 pick and it was Claudio Montanha Jr. who walked away with a black and green jersey in hand. He sits No. 35 in the PBR World Standings and is one to watch when the season kicks off.
5. Connor Halverson
The fifth and final member of the Austin Gamblers is another young gun by way of Gordon, Nebraska. Conner Halverson is the youngest member of the team coming in at only 20-years-old but he comes in after his first PBR World Finals appearance and ready for more.
The historic PBR Teams Draft concluded after Round 5 and the free agent dealings have begun while we wait for the Supplemental Draft to take place on June 2. Congratulations to all Gamblers!
For a full schedule of PBR Teams Events click here.