IT’S been nearly two decades since the #7 jersey lit up Bendigo Stadium for the Bendigo Braves.

But after hanging in the rafters so long, the jersey formerly worn by Braves legend Steve de Laveaga is coming out of retirement for star guard Jeremy Kendle.

The decision comes with the blessing of de Laveaga, who thrilled fans during a stellar 168-game career with the Braves from 1994 until ’99.

Affectionately known as ‘Stevie D’, his career tally of 9268 points from stints with Nunawading and Bendigo still tops the SEABL record list.

Kendle, a deeply religious man who wore #1 in his MVP-winning season with the Braves in their 2016 championship year, had requested the #7 jersey on his return to the club this year before learning it had been previously retired.

But following an approach from the Bendigo Basketball Association, de Laveaga gave approval for his #7 jersey to be reactivated.

Kendle said he was aware just how rare it was for a club to unretire a jersey and admitted to being humbled by his fellow American’s remarkable gesture.

“I am very excited and honoured to be able to wear Steve D’s jersey, he had a wonderful SEABL career and a wonderful basketball career,” he said.

“He did some tremendous things in the community here in Bendigo, on and off the court, so I’m hoping to go out there and represent this jersey the right way and make the basketball fans in Bendigo proud.

“It’s important to make the fans part of what we are doing basketballers – this game should be a tool to help people – and Stevie D did that.”

Kendle, a deeply religious man, who played in the NBL with Brisbane and Sydney and also in the New Zealand national league in between his stints with the Braves, explained the significance of the #7 to his life.

“The number seven in The Bible represents being complete – God made the heavens and Earth in six days and on the seventh he rested,” he said.

“It’s very symbolic of being complete and I feel Jeremy Kendle Basketball, the business my wife and I are starting up, and basketball in general make me feel complete.

“And I can use (basketball) to share the gospel and give people hope; not just teach them the fundamentals of the game, but teach them life skills they can take with them off the court and apply to every area of life.”

De Laveaga’s #7 is one of 10 Braves jerseys previously retired by the organisation.

They include Michelle Fletcher (#9), Andrea Walsh (#11), Ben Harvey (#4), Justin Cass (#6), Steve Kelly (#8), David Johnson (#9), Michael Spear (#10), Ricky Daniels (#23) and Dave Flint (#32).

De Laveaga said he was only to keen to acquiesce to the request.

“He is not only a first-class player, but a first-class individual,” de Laveaga said from his home in Gilbert, Arizona.

“I look back on my playing days with great fondness and am excited to see the Braves take the title this year.

“Best of luck Ben, Jeremy and all the boys.”

Kendle will wear the #7 for the first time in an official SEABL match this Friday when the Braves open their season against newcomers Diamond Valley Eagles.

Coach Ben Harvey, who was selected in the 1990s SEABL men’s team of the decade alongside de Laveaga, said he had fond memories of playing against the former Braves star and praised his act of goodwill.

“To wear #7 is a real honour – Stevie D was a great player and great man - not just for Bendigo, but for the SEABL,” he said.