Australian National Basketball League commentator and former MVP Corey ‘Homicide’ Williams faces new fight after being diagnosed with stage four cancer aged just 46

Australian NBL commentator and former MVP Corey ‘Homicide’ Williams is preparing to fight for his life after being diagnosed with stage four colon cancer at the age of 46.

Five-time NBL champion-winning coach Trevor Gleeson made the announcement in commentary during last night’s World Cup match between Australia and Slovenia.

Williams was set to be part of the NBL commentary team and weekly show Overtime this season, but will instead undergo treatment for a cancer diagnosis.

“I want to give a shout out to my good friend Corey ‘Homicide’ Williams. Corey has been diagnosed with stage four colon cancer and will begin treatment soon,” Gleeson said.

“Send some love over there. I know people in Townsville, the Croc Nation, Corey invented Croc Nation, take to social media and send some love to him.

‘He’s a fighter. He is MVP of the league in 2010. We wish you Corey the best and the challenge ahead. There’s nothing but love for the fight ahead and we know you’re a fighter, you’re going to beat it. Lots of love, Corey.”

Fellow commentator John Casey has worked with Williams on the commentary desk for years and was baffled by the announcement.

“He has done so much for basketball in Australia, of course about the NBL. All over the world, just a great guy to hang out with,” he said.

“I echo those feelings for Corey, think of him, send your love to him, prayers up.

“I’m sure he’ll get through it, as you say. He’s a fighter.’

Gleeson replied, “Damn right. He has had a brilliant career in basketball. Controversial with the commentary, but he is never shy. Corey can talk underwater.

“When you meet that man, you get a big smile on your face, he is such a man.”

Williams posted his fashion logo to social media earlier this week with the message, “Pray for me as I go through this journey. I will beat this.’

There has been a strong outpouring of support for Homicide, including from NBL legend Cal Bruton who wrote, “Prayers have been poured in my brother and healing vibrations are pouring out too… God’s blessings.”

Born in 1977 as Carey Williams, the electric former point guard made a name for himself as a streetball player on the playgrounds of New York City.

His ability to destroy other players one-on-one earned him the nickname ‘Homicide’ by street ball MCs.

While the flashy security guard was best known for his half-court exploits on New York’s mean streets, he also went on to build an international playing career in countries such as Brazil, Sweden, China, Germany, France, Croatia, Venezuela, Puerto Rico and Lebanon .

He arrived in Australia in 2007 as a leftfield option for now-defunct NBL club Townsville Crocodiles, immediately making an impact and coining the term Croc Nation.

Williams has made many bold predictions on the weekly NBL show Overtime as well as during his commentary periods

Williams took the Crocodiles to an improbable semi-final series against the eventual champions South Dragons, winning the league’s MVP in 2010.

After a brief stint abroad, Williams returned to Australia to play spells with the Brisbane Spartans and Melbourne Tigers.

As a commentator, ‘Homicide’ endeared himself to many fans and became Public Enemy No. 1 along with many others with his controversial, bold take on the sport in Australia.

Williams also regularly returned to New York City to help educate and inspire young Americans to find a positive, healthy way of life.

He famously said “This ain’t no cupcake league” in reference to the NBL and even released a clothing line with the slogan.

Calling Melbourne home, Williams is a well-known socialite, has his own clothing line and has also developed his own line of basketball shoes throughout his career.

His medical battle has generated thousands of comments on social media with fans, family members and people he has touched to offer support.