Corey ‘Homicide’ Williams not only transformed Australian basketball, he brought it back to life. Now the hoops community is in mourning after the larger-than-life player and commentator lost his battle with cancer.
The tough streetballer, born and raised in The Bronx in New York, faced setbacks from day one and never shied away from the challenge.
That included his latest battle with stage four colon cancer, declaring he would beat it with “Whatever it takes.”
But cancer shows no fear or favor and after a year of battling the dreaded disease, Williams passed away on Friday surrounded by friends, family and loved ones.
After playing for the Golden State Warriors in the NBA Summer League in 2007, the New York-born point guard moved to Australia to join the Townsville Crocodiles.
It was an unlikely union, the brash-talking American in the regional garrison town, but the people of North Queensland quickly came to love him.
Williams brought his big personality and strong desire to win to contending regional franchise Townsville Crocodiles, where he announced himself to the NBL
As a commentator, Williams was undeterred and was loved for his honesty and sincere recordings
He paid them back with interest, sending the perennial underdogs to the semifinals in 2009 and 2010 and earning the NBL MVP award in his third season with averages of 18.6 points, 5 rebounds and 4.1 assists.
Following his tenure with Townsville, he signed with the Melbourne Tigers for the 2010–11 season.
Over four seasons in the NBL, Williams played a total of 114 games, eventually retiring after playing abroad in Lebanon and Puerto Rico.
Williams moved into commentary in 2015 and quickly became known for his brutally honest and witty commentary, famously coining the phrase ‘this ain’t no cupcake league’.
Williams was known as much for his sharp runs to the basket as he was for his sharp tongue and no-holds-barred approach to commentary and interviews with the league’s top talent.
And it came at a crucial crossroads for the league.
By the time the 2009–10 NBL season arrived, there were only eight teams in the competition and no presence in Sydney or Brisbane. Two franchises, Townsville and the Gold Coast, were on the brink of collapse.
Williams was also a staunch advocate for the NBL, coining the phrase ‘this ain’t no cupcake league’
As a player, Williams became league MVP and led the Crocodiles deep into the NBL finals in consecutive years.
Williams’ influence helped revive interest in the weak league, which is now enjoying historic levels of success and viewership
Homicide’s influence on and off the court, coupled with his genuine love and passion for the Australian league, played a huge role in turning that around.
Australian Boomers star, NBA player and coach Chris Anstey said the league owes a great debt to Williams for his role in lifting the domestic league from the brink of obscurity to unprecedented heights.
“Maybe, just maybe, on the day this deal is announced, and the day our basketball community mourns the loss of one of our great people and personalities, @chomicide will be smiling somewhere, knowing how pivotal he was in making this happen. ‘ he posted.
“RIP buddy.”
NBL owner Larry Kestelman also praised Williams, saying recruiting him was the catalyst for incredible growth.
“Having Corey as part of the NBL commentary team was by far one of the best decisions I’ve ever made, and without his passion for the League and enthusiasm for growing the game in Australia we simply wouldn’t be where we are now are. today,” he said.
“Corey’s positivity was contagious. He had a laugh and a smile that could light up any room. He was as great off the field as he was on it, earning a fearsome reputation on both sides of the game.”
And it wasn’t just Australia where Williams left his mark. His New York streetball community never forgot him, with Chase Jordan leading the tributes.
“Corey left his mark on my life and on so many others who have been part of the NYC basketball community,” he said.
‘A legend not only on the pitch, but also a legend off it, who has an impact on everyone who crosses his path! With respect to C.Homicide, I will never forget watching you in awe of your perfect balance of power and grace on the field.”