Brewer's fiancée a generous, good-willed clutch player

Former Timberwolf Corey Brewer is a lot more comfortable changing diapers than he is on a dance floor.

I learned all kinds of amusing stuff about Brewer from his humorous fiancée, Monique Mongalo, last month when the newly transferred Houston Rocket couldn't attend the Christmas activities they planned at Oak Park Center for 200 children living in homelessness or other crises. He appeared via FaceTime to see kids and their family members pick out the toys and clothing items purchased at the Fridley Wal-Mart.

Brewer missed my interview, too, but Mongalo stepped up.

Mongalo said having your life turned upside down by a trade is a minor inconvenience compared to what was happening to the families at the Christmas giveaway. Mongalo became aware of the problems these families were having because of Sano Daniel, a foster parent, licensed child-care provider and the Timberwolves' team nanny during games. "I am so grateful to Corey and Monique for stepping out of the box and reaching out for my community, and believing in my dream to help families in crisis put smiles on their kids' faces."

Daniel, who's also in my startribune.com/video featuring Mongalo, sounds primed to take on a role as Corey Brewer's PR agent.

Q: I was in Houston in October. Do you like traffic jams?

A: Yes, I do. I'm from L.A. [Big laugh.]

A: Right. There [are] traffic jams all the time in L.A. I don't think anything can [be] worse.

Q: How many cowboy boots and hats are in your closet?

A: In our personal closet we have none. He's only allowed to keep those in Tennessee [at his childhood home, where they visit his mother]. [Laughter.]

Q: Brewer is going to a team that's winning more than the Timberwolves, so this should improve his mood, as I assume that losing all the time wears on you.

A: Corey's pretty good when he loses. He'll stay mad for maybe 20 minutes. But once he's out of the locker room and we actually leave [the arena], I think Sebastian, his son, really puts a smile on his face and he leaves it all behind. The only really stressful thing he'll have to go through with this new team is learning everything new. It's like a kid in a new school. You never know what to expect.

A: Yes, I do.

Q: You're not going to be able to do that when Sebastian is in school, are you?

A: We brought him into this life, he's going to have to adjust.

Q: I hear that Corey's a pretty good dancer?

A: He's not at all. [Laughter.]

A: He probably thinks he can.

Q: How many diapers has Dad changed?

A: Corey has changed more diapers than I have. Yes.

Q: Corey Brewer is kind of skinny at 6-9 and 187 pounds. Are there any Nicaraguan foods you might consider preparing to fatten up your fiancé?

A: At home Corey likes to eat gallo pinto, which is rice with fried beans, chicharron con yuca, which is fried pork skin. But he goes at his own pace. Now, when we are in Los Angeles with my family, they basically force feed him! He gains a good 10 pounds in the summer.

A: No. Absolutely not. [Big laughs.]

A longer version of this edited video is online. To contact C.J. try cj@startribune.com and to see her watch FOX 9's "Buzz."