Aussie NBA star Josh Giddey has delivered a touching tribute to beloved Aussie basketball commentator Corey ‘Homicide’ Williams who recently died from cancer aged just 46.
The Melbourne-born point guard arrived to game six of the NBA conference semifinals between Oklahoma City Thunder and the Dallas Mavericks wearing the Townsville Crocodiles jersey that Williams made famous in his time in Australia.
Williams died on May 10 aged 46 after a colon cancer diagnosis in August, leaving Australian basketball in shock and mourning.
Giddey arrived to American Airlines Center in Dallas wearing the Townsville Crocodiles jersey including the No.8 that Corey ‘Homicide’ Williams wore in his playing days
Williams took the now-defunct Townsville Crocodiles to a semifinal series against the odds and was named league MVP during his playing days
Giddey wore the jersey ahead of a must-win clash against the Dallas Mavericks in their NBA semifinal series
He was born Carey Williams in New York City and made a name for himself as an aggressive street ball champion before he was signed by the Crocodiles in the Australian NBL in 2007.
He energised the league, that was battling at the time, coining the term ‘Croc Nation’ and bringing his entertaining, trash-talking style of basketball to a new crowd down under.
Williams lifted the Crocodiles into the NBL semifinals against the odds and was crowned league MVP.
In retirement, he then became the face of the NBL as a commentator and analyst, famously making the slogan ‘this ain’t no cupcake league’ popular.
As a commentator, Williams pulled no punches and earned himself a legion of supporters
The NBL is struggling to come to terms with the shock death of Williams who was only 46
Williams was also a huge supporter of Giddey before he was drafted, posting on Instagram: ‘Let me tell you first, @joshgiddey you are the future of Australian Basketball.
‘You’re going to inspire a whole nation of Hoopers.
‘People get familiar, this is the face of the next generation of Hoopers down under.’
Giddey’s mark of respect for ‘Homicide’ led to a fresh outpouring of tributes from Australian basketball fans.
‘Appreciate the thought JG. You’re a real one,’ one posted in response to the images of Giddey in Homicide’s Crocs jersey.
‘Josh Giddey to hit the game winning bucket cos of this classy move right here,’ added another.
Russell ‘Rusty’ Hinder, a former Crocs captain and friend of Williams, also replied, posting: ‘Really classy. WOW. Amazing. Thank you Josh. Thank you so much. Really cool.’
Unfortunately the tribute could not inspire Giddey and OKC to a win, with Dallas clinching the series with a nailbiting 117-116 final result.
Giddey’s gesture has inspired a fresh wave of tributes for ‘Homicide’ who left a lasting impression with his larger-than-life approach to the game
NBL owner Larry Kestelman led the tributes to Williams last week, crediting him with the success and growth of the modern league.
‘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.’
A service celebrating the life of Corey Williams was held at the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre on Saturday.
