Former Nationwide Basketball League MVP and outspoken commentator Corey Williams has died aged 46 after a colon most cancers prognosis in August final 12 months.
A New York street-baller, Williams, often called “Murder”, performed professionally in 12 international locations and lit up the NBL when becoming a member of the Townsville Crocodiles in 2007.
The daddy of two gained the competitors’s MVP award in 2010 earlier than becoming a member of the Melbourne Tigers and later transitioning into commentary.
His presence coincided with the regeneration of the sport in Australia, which is now considered one of many world’s strongest and a pathway to the NBA.
In a tribute on X after Williams’s loss of life, the NBL wrote:
Ardour past measure, and an influence felt the world over. Corey lit up each room he entered with the enjoyment and zest he had for all times.
A fearless competitor on the courtroom, by no means in need of an opinion off it and a showman by means of and thru.
‘Murder’ was one among one.
NBL proprietor Larry Kestelman additionally paid tribute to Williams.
“I’ll personally miss Corey, as will my spouse, Anita and our household,” he stated.
“We’re all at a loss proper now and our ideas and prayers are with Filagote, and his daughters Bella and Gabi, in addition to his fast and prolonged household, and shut buddies.
“Having Corey as a part of the NBL commentary crew was by far among the finest choices I ever made, and with out his ardour for the League and enthusiasm for the expansion of the sport in Australia, we merely would not be the place we’re at present.
“Corey’s positivity was infectious. He had fun and smile that might gentle up any room.
“He was as massive a presence off the courtroom as he was on it, and earned a fearsome popularity on either side of the sport.
“There’ll by no means be one other Corey ‘Murder’ Williams, might he relaxation in peace.”
Williams hosted a golf day final month attended by a bunch of Australian basketball greats to boost consciousness of colon most cancers and funds in direction of his remedy.
“Corey is an icon of Australian basketball, so at any time when something occurs like this the basketball neighborhood will get collectively and see if we may also help,” two-time NBL champion Lanard Copeland stated on the time.
“Corey’s been nothing however optimistic, and it is laborious to not wish to assist a man like that.”
AAP
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