Rio Bruton joins the Brisbane Bullets as a Development Player

The Brisbane Bullets have signed 6’5” Australian guard Rio Bruton as a Development Player ahead of NBL27.

The 19-year-old currently plays with the South Adelaide Panthers in NBL1 Central. He is averaging 18.8 points, 4.2 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game, building a reputation as an elite shooter and versatile offensive threat.

He continues a proud family legacy in Brisbane, with both his father, C.J Bruton, and grandfather, Cal Bruton, having won Championships with the Bullets.  

His route to the NBL has included time in the Basketball Australia Centre of Excellence and international exposure through the NBA Global Academy Games in Atlanta.

The Queenslander - who took SA Metro to the gold medal match at the U18 National Championships in 2024 - has also spent time with the Adelaide 36ers.

For Bruton, 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 Weaver and I’ll come in ready to work and keep pushing my development and the team forward.”

Head Coach Will 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,” he said.

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

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