Rob Brandenberg wants to see his own number in the rafters one day, so he takes No. 11

Throughout basketball, the number 23 is synonymous with Michael Jordan, an icon of not just a particular league or team, but the entire sport.

Rob Brandenberg wore the number as a freshman, but changed to 11 in the offseason when he found out that 23 is already retired at VCU and not because of Jordan. Former Ram Kendrick Warren, who is still the second-leading scorer in VCU history, sported 23 and the number is already up in the Siegel Center rafters.

“I didn’t want Kendrick Warren’s number,” Brandenberg told Shaka Smart. “I want my own number to be retired.”

Brandenberg doesn’t want to be like Mike, nor does he want to be like Warren. He wants to be his own player with his own legacy and that says a lot about him both as a player and a competitor.

“Those are his goals,” said Smart. “I like that.”

Ram fans should like it too because it shows what Brandenberg thinks of his own potential and his loyalty to VCU. But as much of a statement as it is for Brandenberg himself, it’s also a move that shows respect for a VCU great.

Brandenberg said part of the reason for switching was to get his own number in the rafters, and the other part was simply to honor Warren by keeping his number out of use.