Vibrant character on and off the court, Corey ‘Homicide’ Williams sadly loses cancer battle, age 46

The NBL has paid tribute to one of the league’s most colourful characters and passionate advocates for Australian basketball after Corey ‘Homicide’ Williams sadly lost his battle with cancer.

Legendary NBL figure Corey Williams has lost his battle with bowel cancer. Picture: David Caird

The NBL has paid tribute to one of the league’s most colourful characters and passionate advocates for Australian basketball after Corey ‘Homicide’ Williams sadly lost his battle with bowel cancer.

Williams, a former MVP turned commentator, leaves behind an almighty legacy as an American who moved to Australia and made it his mission to promote hoops.

After playing for the Golden State Warriors during the 2007 NBA Summer League, the New York-born point guard relocated to Australia and signed with the now defunct Townsville Crocodiles.

Williams had three seasons with the Crocodiles, leading the club to the semi-finals in 2009 and 2010.

Passion beyond measure, and an impact felt across the world. Corey lit up every room he entered with the joy and zest he had for life.

A fearless competitor on the court, never short of an opinion off it and a showman through and through.

'Homicide' was one of one. pic.twitter.com/Xxsp6PM4Cr

— NBL (@NBL) May 10, 2024

He was awarded the NBL’s MVP in his third season in Townsville after averaging 18.6 points, 5 rebounds and 4.1 assists.

After being cut by Townsville, Williams joined the Melbourne Tigers for the 2010-11 season.

He played 114 NBL games across four seasons before hanging up the sneakers following stints in Lebanon and Puerto Rico.

Williams turned to commentating in 2015 and quickly developed a reputation for his brutal honesty and quick wit.

Corey Williams first appearance in the NBL was with the Townsville Crocs back in 2007. Picture: Supplied.

Never backwards in coming forward, the affable American wasn’t afraid to call out players or teams for poor form.

As much as the sprays seemed brutal, it was always a big and passionate heart that drove Williams’ message.

He cared deeply about the NBL – and Aussie hoops – and he was determined to spread the good word to anyone who cared to listen.

Those closest to Williams describe him as a bolt of energy – the type of friend that lights up your day through his toothy grin and enthusiasm for life.

He certainly gave everything he had to the sport of basketball, especially here in Australia.

It’s a mentality he carried as a badge of honour when he was diagnosed with bowel cancer last year.

Corey Williams was a much loved figure of the Australian basketball scene and a vibrant character of the NBL commentary team. Picture: Paul Kane/Getty Images.

He recently posted a picture inside a hyperbaric chamber, as he did his best to fight stage four cancer.

“Whatever it takes. I’m doing it. WHATEVER IT TAKES,” Williams declared alongside the image.

Williams recently told the NBL in an emotional interview that he gets his resilience from his late mother.

“My mother died of cancer too, six or seven years ago,” he said.

“And she’s watching me, she’s protecting me.

“I saw cancer destroy her. That was the biggest bully I’ve ever seen. Destroy her. That was my hero.”

Vale Corey 'Homicide' Williams.

An icon of our game, and our League. pic.twitter.com/zNVb6qTBaM

— NBL (@NBL) May 10, 2024

NBL owner Larry Kestelman said there would never be anyone like Williams.

“I will personally miss Corey, as will my wife, Anita and our family,” Kestelman said.

“We are all at a loss right now and our thoughts and prayers are with Filagote, and his daughters Bella and Gabi, as well as his immediate and extended family, and close friends.

“Having Corey as part of the NBL commentary team was by far, one of the best decisions I ever made, and without his passion for the League and enthusiasm for the growth of the game in Australia, we simply wouldn’t be where we are today.

A much loved face of Australian hoops. Picture: Supplied.

“Corey’s positivity was infectious. He had a laugh and smile that could light up any room. He was as big a presence off the court as he was on it, and earned a fearsome reputation on both sides of the game.

“There will never be another Corey ‘Homicide’ Williams, may he rest in peace.”

Williams, just 46, also leaves us a hero - a man who gave everything to life and hoops in a bid to put the NBL on the global basketball map.

Originally published as Vibrant character on and off the court, Corey ‘Homicide’ Williams sadly loses cancer battle, age 46