Bucks video gaming team preparing for upcoming season

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- As the new season of basketball video gaming is set to tip off this week, the joystick warriors of the Milwaukee Bucks gaming team are playing NBA 2K eight hours a day to prepare. 

Their first match is Friday in New York. If they win, they hope to continue to advance to the championships later in the season. 

This year, a Milwaukee native was drafted to the team.

Stephen "SlayIsland" Lay is from Brown Deer.

"This is something I've wanted to do since I first heard that it was announced," he said. "So to actually be here practicing everyday, getting to know teammates and getting ready to play on Friday, it's really exciting."

The team's manager is confident in the gamers on his roster. 

"We're really excited for season two of Bucks Gaming. We feel like we have a great roster this year, we've drafted a great group of guys. Training camp so far incredibly well, the guys are jelling really well heading into season two," said Cayle Drabinsky, Bucks Gaming co-managing director. 

Four new teams have been added to the league this season. Now, 21 of the 30 NBA teams are represented in the gaming league. 

More than $1 million is up for grabs across three tournaments this season.