Vale Corey Williams

The NBL is mourning the passing of Corey Williams; one of the most beloved figures in the game, and a key to the League’s resurgence.

Williams lost his fight with cancer today at age 46. 

Affectionately known as “Homicide”, Williams was a champion on the court winning the 2010 NBL MVP while playing for the Townsville Crocodiles.  He played the game with immense passion, intensity, and joy and matched those incredible efforts off the court when he joined the NBL broadcast team as a commentator and analyst.  

Williams will be remembered as one of the greatest ambassadors the NBL has ever seen. Always positive and enthusiastic, and never short of an opinion, his smile and energy lit up every room he walked into. 

“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,” 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, 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.”

Williams made his name in the basketball world by dominating the streetball scene in New York City, becoming one of the best and most well-known streetballers. His relentless play and win-at-all-costs-style earned him the now famous nickname “Homicide”. 

His streetball dominance led to a contract with the Toronto Raptors for training camp in 2005, and he appeared in four pre-season games. 

Williams’ travelled far and wide with his glittering career spanning 12 countries across 17 years. He represented the Dakota Wizards (1999, 2007), Club San Carlos (2000-2001), Brooklyn Kings (2001, 2003), Minas (2001-2002), 08 Stockholm (2003-2004), Yunnan Honghe (2004-2005), New Jersey Flyers (2005), Westchester Wildfire (2005), Sellbytel Baskets Nurnberg (2005), Sioux Fall Skyforce (2006, 2007), Guaiqueríes de Margarita (2006), Cholet Basket (2006), KK Cibona (2008), Trotamundos de Carabobo (2009), Byblos Club (2012), Piratas de Quebradillas (2012), Bejje SC (2012-2013), Hoops Club (2013), Al Mouttahed Tripoli (2014) and Tadamon Zouk (2015-2016). 

Williams joined the NBL in 2007 when he signed with the Crocodiles and instantly became one of the most dominant players in the League. He made 27 appearances for Townsville in his debut season and amassed a career-high 21.6 points per game, along with 4.8 rebounds, 4.7 assists and 1.7 steals. 

The New York native’s rise continued across the next two seasons - he was named to the All-NBL Second Team in 2008 and 2009, with the Crocs also making the Semi-Finals in 2009. 

In 33 matches across the 2008/09 season, Williams averaged 18.9 points, 4.4 assists and 4.4 rebounds, with that consistent production matched in 2009/10, as he recorded 18.4 points, 4.8 rebounds and 3.9 assists per game. 

Williams’ status as an NBL great was cemented in 2010 when he won the Andrew Gaze Trophy as the League’s MVP. He is one of only three Crocodiles to win the award alongside Robert Rose (2001) and Brian Conklin (2015). 

After his tenure with Townsville, Williams joined the Melbourne Tigers for the 2010/11 season. 

While the Tigers finished the season with just a 10-18 record, Williams maintained his high level of play, averaging 17.3 points, 6.8 rebounds and a League-leading 6.1 assists per game. 

After retirement, Williams became a member of the NBL commentary team in 2015, solidifying himself as one of the voices of the sport. His big personality, opinions, passion, and enthusiasm for the NBL was always on display, as he took the NBL to new levels in the mainstream media and the sporting landscape. 

The NBL would like to send its deepest condolences to Williams’ family during this difficult time.