Every jersey number tells a story in the rich tapestry of Houston Rockets history. With over 50 numbers worn by nearly 500 players since 1967, each one connects fans to a unique era and player. Today, we're spotlighting jersey No. 12 and one of the sixteen men to wear it: forward E.C. Coleman.

Coleman's journey to the Rockets began close to home. After starring at Houston Baptist University, the Flora, Mississippi native was selected by Houston with the 51st overall pick in the 1973 NBA Draft. He would bookend his six-year NBA career with the Rockets, playing his rookie season (1973-74) and his final campaign (1978-79) in Houston, with stints at the New Orleans Jazz and Golden State Warriors in between.

Throughout his time with the franchise, Coleman was a steady presence, exclusively wearing the No. 12 jersey. On the court, he contributed averages of 4.9 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game. While not a superstar, players like Coleman—reliable role players who filled out rosters during the franchise's formative years—are essential threads in the fabric of any team's legacy.

His story is a reminder that every number, from the retired jerseys hanging in the rafters to those like No. 12, represents a piece of the Rockets' identity, connecting today's fans to the players who helped build the team's history.