The news that Corey “Homicide” Williams, a former player and media personality, passed away at the age of 46 has left the Australian basketball community in mourning.
The stage four colon cancer that the former MVP of the National Basketball League (NBL) was battling.
Williams disclosed last year that he had received a cancer diagnosis and had traveled back to the United States, the site of his birth, to receive chemotherapy in New York.
Later, he returned to Melbourne, Australia, for additional medical care. He was given a standing ovation when he attended the league’s MVP awards in February after watching an NBL game from courtside in November of last year.
As a talented player and passionate supporter of the NBL, Williams is most known for revolutionizing the league.
Between 2007 and 2010, he was a player for the Townsville Crocodiles for three seasons. In 2010, he was named MVP of the league and twice guided the team to the semi-finals.
During the 2010–11 season, Williams also played for the Melbourne Tigers, who are now known as Melbourne United.
After retiring from the game, Williams became a well-known analyst who was not afraid to voice his opinions.
“We simply wouldn’t be where we are today without his passion for the league and enthusiasm for the growth of the game in Australia,” NBL owner Larry Kestelman said. “Having Corey as part of the NBL commentary team was by far, one of the best decisions I ever made.”
“Corey ‘Homicide’ Williams will never exist again. May he rest in peace.”
Since then, tributes to Williams have been posted online.
