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Keita Bates-Diop is the first #31 in fourteen years

You know Lochmann and Nater, Restani and Wittman,

Jones, McNamara, Van Exel, and Vincent.

But do you recall, the most famous #31 of all?

Fans found Malik Rose most dear

Affection for him always shows

Played with heart and with grit

He earned his rank among the pros . . .

Then again, you might not have know some of these guys at all.

Riney Lochmann wore #31 for the Dallas Chaparrals from 1968-1970. If you don’t know who the Chaparrals are, then we’re going to need to have an entirely different conversation.