It was a night of surprises at Bendigo Stadium, with 2016 championship point guard Kevin White suiting up for the Braves in a one-off appearance as the club unveiled its title banner.

The Illawarra Hawks NBL guard received one of the loudest cheers during the pre-game introductions.

He did not disappoint the hundreds of fans who ventured to Bendigo Stadium, tipping in six points and contributing five rebounds and six assists.

New import Dyami Starks was the star for the Braves, leading all scorers with 21 points and adding five rebounds and five assists.

Championship centre Matt Andronicos looks set for a big season, chiming in with 16 points and eight rebounds.

Pleasing for coach Ben Harvey would have been the spread of contributions.

Bench player Daniel Hansen connected on four of seven three-point attempts to score 12 points, while Braves stalwart Chris Hogan added 11 points as all 12 player who suited up won court-time, including youngsters Tanner Rayner and Jake Lloyd.

Import C. J. Aiken did not play for the Braves with a clearance for the former NBA Development League player failing to eventuate in time.

Fellow American Starks was only cleared to play on game morning..

It was doubts over those clearances which led to White agreeing to play for the Braves.

The 26-year-old said he had initially travelled to Bendigo to catch up with friends and to see the championship banner being unveiled, but was pressed into action on Friday.

I was quite fortunate that, if I got cleared, there was a chance I could play and help the boys out," he said.

"Thinks got put together pretty quick.

"I love playing here. Last year we won a championship and were a very successful team and won 16 games in a row.

"It was great to be a part of making it 17 tonight."

White was confident his replacement Adam Doyle would be a pivotal player for the Braves.

The Adelaide 36ers guard was strong on debut with 10 points and four assists.

Skipper Lucas Barker led the Rangers with 15 points.

Meanwhile, it was another newcomer who impressed as the Bendigo Lady Braves won their season opener over Dandenong in style.

Canberra recruit Carlie Smith top scored with 23 points and added nine rebounds in the Lady Braves' 81-62 win.

Smith hit four of five three-pointers, most of them coming at crucial times as the Rangers were poised to challenge.

The 22-year-old, who was one of three outside recruits to the team, said it was an awesome start to the year.

"We have a really young team, but have been combining very well, so I think it’s going to be a real exciting season," she said.

Smith scored 10 of the Lady Braves first 11 points as the home side jumped to an early 11-1 lead.

They were never headed.

As she was in last year's season opener against Ballarat, rising star Jess Rennie was quick out of the blocks, hitting four of seven three-pointers to finish with 16 points.

Recruit Chloe Bibby had a good outing against her former SEABL club, finishing with 12 points and seven rebounds, while another young gun Maddie Sexton scored 11.

Next up fr the Braves men is a Friday night encounter against last year’s grand final rival Mount Gambier. The Lady Braves have a bye.