The number 23 is synonymous with sporting success.Worn by Michael Jordan at the Chicago Bulls and Lebron James at the Cleveland Cavaliers, the number 23 has a special meaning on the basketball court.Now, in Bendigo, the number 23 singlet will be retired in honour of one of the Braves finest players, Ricky Daniels.Formerly from North Carolina, Daniels made a name for himself on the Bendigo basketball scene in 1999 and 2000, when he was awarded the Australian basketball Association’s national most valuable player two years in a row, a feat that no other Braves player in history has been able to achieve. To view via iPhone or iPad, click Change Player on the black bar below and select MPEG4. Video provided by SEABL.options={AutoRewind:false,AutoStart:false,Player:"flv",Speed:"low"}Daniels, who also lined up with the Ballarat Miners during his SEABL career, said his career dream was to win a championship with the Braves.“Last year’s conference win was the piece of the puzzle that I was missing,” he said. “I think to get there was a great way to end my career.”Daniels, who played 231 league games, including 178 with Bendigo, said while he has always liked the number 23, it wasn’t the number he wanted when he joined the Braves over a decade ago.“It’s one of those favourite numbers,” he said.“23 is the number that I’ve been for most of my career, but I wanted number 32 when I first got here, but Dave (Flint) had already retired 32 so I reversed the numbers around.“I was number 32 in college and I’ve had quite a few numbers, but it’s mainly been 32 depending on the team I played for. Hopefully, if one of my kids wants to get there he can wear my number.”The decision to retire Daniels’ singlet was inevitable given his contribution to the Bendigo basketball community on and off the court.Daniels has had a strong involvement with the Bendigo junior squad program as well as the community as owner of Lifestyle Fitness.Daniels said he felt honoured to be recognised by the club at this weekend’s Braves and Lady Braves home courts finals.“I think it’s fantastic to get recognised in this way,” he said “I have kids who come to the games and this may encourage them to play as well, so I think it’s fantastic.“I wouldn’t miss this weekend for anything. With the semi-final being against Knox and the singlet presentation, it’s no better game to be at.”