Silhouette

Issue date: 2/6/03 Section: Silhouette Sports

Joseph Works (53), San Antonio, goes up for a shot against Cloud County, Feb. 1. Works scored 20 points helping the Busters defeat Cloud County 81-66. Tyler Messenger/Contributor

As one of the four returning players for the Busters, Joseph "Mookie" Works has matured into a leader of the 4-5 Broncbuster team.

Earl Diddle, Buster head coach, said he has seen an improvement in Works' game and leadership in the time he has been coaching here.

"I am really impressed with Joe Works because of where he started and where he is now," Diddle said, "not only from a performance standpoint, but from a leadership standpoint also."

Number 53 graces the back of the 6'7'' Buster forward who is known to most as simply "Mookie," a nickname given to him during childhood by his Aunt Paulette.

"[Mookie] came from the Fragglerock cartoon," Works said. "When I was real little, I was so dark I was purple and Mookie was the purple Fragglerock."

Nineteen-year-old Works admits he did not even know where the nickname came from until only a few years ago when he asked his mother.

Works is the son of Sharon and Joseph Works and a caring brother of three. He has two older siblings, Tyrone and Paulette, and a younger sister, Jazzman.

"I am very overprotective of my little sister," Works said.

Works said he likes to fly home to visit his family whenever he gets a chance. In his spare time, he also likes to talk on the phone and buy shoes; he has almost 90 pair.

Roommate and teammate, Karlton Mims, Evanston, Ill., said he has enjoyed living and playing with Works.

"He's a happy person who is always willing to share," Mims said.

Mims described Works as a leader and an "all-around player. He gets the job done."

In Diddle's opinion, Works' ability to lead lies within his own personality.

"He has the ability to lead himself," Diddle said. "He's a very unselfish guy and a caring person. I think he cares about his teammates and about Garden City Community College."

Teammate, Kenneth Stone, Wichita, also notices Works' caring personality.

"He gets along with almost everybody because he is nice and generous," Stone said.

An element of fun is essential to life and the game of basketball in Works' eyes.

"Basketball is my love," Works said with a smile. "I try to go out there and do the best I can do, help the team and have fun when I'm playing."

Works is still looking into a school at which to continue his education.

"My education is very important to me," Works said. "I'm the only one besides my brother that's went to college."

Works has not yet finalized his plans for life after Garden City, but said he does know he has his work cut out for him.

"Garden City is a small spot," Works said, "so when I go to the next level, I'll have to pick up and start over. Hopefully, I can just go in and do what I have to do."

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