Australian basketball figure Corey ‘Homicide’ Williams dead at age 46
Australian basketball is mourning the death of a beloved former player and commentator credited with the turning the NBL into a powerhouse.
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Beloved Australian basketball figure Corey ‘Homicide’ Williams has died at the age of 46.
Tributes began flowing on Friday for the media personality and former MVP of Australia’s National Basketball League (NBL), who had been fighting stage four colon cancer.
Williams revealed last year he was suffering from stage four colon cancer and returned to America to undergo chemotherapy treatment in New York.
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He returned to Australia to undergo treatment in Melbourne and sat courtside for an NBL game in November.
“I’m glad I decided to come back to Melbourne to get healed and healthy because it’s been so peaceful for me and that’s half the battle,” he said at the time.
“I miss it. I watch the games back at home. Everybody’s doing a great job. I’m loving what I’m seeing basketball wise on and off the court — storylines, the commentary, just everything.”
Williams made his name on the New York City street basketball scene and played three seasons for the Townsville Crocodiles in the NBL, winning the league’s MVP award in 2010 and leading the Crocs to the NBL semi-finals twice.
He also played a season for Melbourne United.
Williams later carved out a career in Australia as a commentator renowned for his passion and hot takes.
His enthusiasm for the NBL — and catch cries like “this ain’t a cupcake league” — undoubtedly helped the league gain a foothold in the media and Australian sporting landscape.
A charity golf day was held in Melbourne last month to raise funds for Williams.
“Corey, you’ve been an inspiration to many,” Andrew Gaze said at the event.
“You’ve annoyed a lot of people.
“You’ve shared your personality with the nation through the sport. To see the challenge you’re going through and the way you’re tackling it is inspiring to us all.”
Williams attended last year’s NBL MVP Awards and was given a standing ovation.
Gaze shared a heartbroken emoji on X and wrote on Instagram: “RIP Great Man. Love you.”
NBL owner Larry Kestelman said: “I will personally miss Corey, as will my wife, Anita and our family. 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.
“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.”
Tributes flowed for Williams from across the Australian basketball community.
Sports reporter Roy Ward wrote on X: “Corey Williams was a master of self-promotion and it made him a must-watch on the court and in front of the camera.
“I didn’t know him well but I know his friendship helped so many friends of mine believe they could do special things. That quality is a rare one.”
ESPN’s Olgun Uluc said: “It’s a truly enormous, tragic loss for the Australian basketball community. The NBL doesn’t reach the heights of what it is today without his presence, on and off the court.”
Broadcaster Neroli Meadows tweeted: “I am so glad that Corey knew what he meant to all of us. The love, the standing ovation, the hugs... he’s the one who taught me that lesson so many years ago - it stayed with me, always. Tell people you appreciate them!!!!! I appreciate you my friend…
“Thoughts with Corey’s family, friends, fans (and foes) - the game simply won’t be the same without you.”
Radio host and MC Jarrod Walsh wrote on X: “Corey Williams not only was a star player, but he also brought a new hype and marketing presence to the @NBL.
“The league would be years behind without his passionate views and promotion of the game.
“So so sad. Vale.”
The NBL is now one of the premier basketball leagues in the world and has been a successful pathway for talented prospects such as LaMelo Ball and Josh Giddey on their way to the NBA.
Perth Wildcats import Alexandre Sarr is projected to go as high as the No. 1 pick in this year’s NBA Draft.
Originally published as Australian basketball figure Corey ‘Homicide’ Williams dead at age 46
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