MIAMI (CBSMiami) - Pat Riley is just 2 games away from another National Championship ring, but the NVA thinks he's already a winner. The NVA Coaches Association named him the 2012 recipient of the Chuck Daly Lifetime Achievement Award.

The award is named for hall of famer Chuck Daly, a legendary coach and tireless promoter of Basketball.

"I've known Chuck Daly for thirty years, first as competitors, then as friends," said Riley. "I always felt that Chuck was the quintessential pro coach, not only as a head coach of a world championship team, but also being named coach of the greatest team of all-time, the Dream Team."

"He was simply one of the greatest coaches of all-time and this is a great honor to receive this lifetime achievement award."

Riley, a 2008 Hall of Fame inductee, is widely recognized as one of the most successful coaches and team executives in NBA history. He has captured five NBA Championships as a head coach.

His 21 appearances in the playoffs as a head coach are number 1 in league history and his 19 consecutive postseason appearances as a head coach from 1982-2001 set an NBA record for consecutive postseason appearances.

Riley has also served as a head coach in nine NBA All-Star games.

Riley was also recognized for his extensive charitable support, personally and through the Heat.

The winner is selected by the Award Selection Committee, comprised of a cross section of NBA insiders.