Corey Brewer fits in with Thunder thanks to big genes

Corey Brewer is averaging 12 points per game in seven games with the Thunder, up from 3.7 PPG this season with the Lakers. [Photo by Bryan Terry, The Oklahoman]

They say John William Rogan navigated Gallatin, Tenn., in a cart pulled by goats, and there are pictures to prove it.

The 8-foot-9 Rogan died in 1905 and remains the tallest African-American man ever. He's still the stuff of legend in Tennessee, where they've long told tales of his booming voice and playful personality.

They tell Corey Brewer that's where he got his height.

“I used to hear stories about him,” said Brewer, the Thunder's new starting shooting guard. “My mom told us we had one of the tallest men ever in our family, and I remember thinking about that, because my mom is 5-4 and my dad was 6-foot.”