Basketball mourns loss of NBL figure Corey Williams

A New York street-baller, the 46-year-old known as 'Homicide' played professionally in 12 countries and lit up the league when joining the Townsville Crocodiles in 2007.

The father of two won the competition's MVP award in 2010 before joining the Melbourne Tigers and later transitioning into commentary.

His presence coincided with the regeneration of the Australian league, which is now regarded as one of the world's strongest and a pathway to the NBA.

"I will personally miss Corey, as will my wife, Anita and our family," NBL owner Larry Kestelman said.

"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."

Williams was diagnosed with Stage 4 metastatic colon cancer in August last year.

He hosted a golf day last month attended by a host of Australian basketball greats to raise awareness of the disease and funds towards his treatment.

"Corey is an icon of Australian basketball, so whenever anything happens like this the basketball community gets together and see if we can help," two-time NBL champion Lanard Copeland said at the time.

"Corey's been nothing but positive, and it's hard not to want to help a guy like that."

Australian Associated Press