- Giddey plays for OKC Thunder in NBA semifinals
- He arrived at the essential game against Dallas wearing his tribute
- It was a show of respect for a man who became the face of Australian basketball.
Australian NBA star Josh Giddey has paid a moving tribute to beloved Australian basketball commentator Corey ‘Homicide’ Williams, who recently died of cancer at just 46 years old.
The Melbourne-born point guard arrived at Game 6 of the NBA conference semifinals between Oklahoma City Thunder and Dallas Mavericks wearing the Townsville Crocodiles jersey that Williams made famous during his time in Australia.
Williams died on May 10 at the age of 46 after being diagnosed with colon cancer in August, leaving Australian basketball in shock and mourning.
Giddey arrived at the American Airlines Center in Dallas wearing the Townsville Crocodiles jersey, including the number 8 that Corey ‘Homicide’ Williams wore in his playing days.
Williams led the now-defunct Townsville Crocodiles to a semi-final series against all odds and was named league MVP during his playing days.
Giddey wore the jersey before a must-win clash against the Dallas Mavericks in their NBA semifinal series.
Born Carey Williams in New York City, he made a name for himself as an aggressive street basketball champion before being signed by the Crocodiles in the Australian NBL in 2007.
He energized the league, which was struggling at the time, coining the term ‘Croc Nation’ and bringing his entertaining, trash-talking brand of basketball to a new crowd in Australia.
Williams led the Crocodiles to the NBL semi-finals against all odds and was crowned league MVP.
When he retired, he became the face of the NBL as a commentator and analyst, making famous the slogan “this is not a cupcake league”.
As a commentator, Williams pulled no punches and earned a legion of fans.
The NBL is struggling to come to terms with the shocking death of Williams, who was just 46 years old.
Williams was also a big supporter of Giddey before he was drafted, posting on Instagram: “Let me say first @joshgiddey you are the future of Australian basketball.”
‘You’re going to inspire a whole nation of Hoopers.
“People are becoming familiar, this is the face of the next generation of Hoopers in Australia.”
Giddey’s show of respect for ‘Homicide’ sparked a fresh outpouring of tributes from Australian basketball fans.
‘I appreciate the thought JG. You’re real,’ one posted in response to images of Giddey wearing Homicide’s Crocs t-shirt.
“Josh Giddey will hit the game-winner thanks to this fancy move here,” another added.
Russell ‘Rusty’ Hinder, former Crocs captain and friend of Williams, also responded, posting: ‘Really classy. WOW. Amazing. Thanks josh. Thank you so much. Really cool.’
Unfortunately, the tribute failed to inspire Giddey and OKC to victory, with Dallas clinching the series with a final score of 117-116.
Giddey’s gesture has inspired a new wave of tributes to ‘Homicide’, which left a lasting impression with its enormous approach to the game.
NBL owner Larry Kestelman led 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 have ever made, and without his passion for the League and his enthusiasm for the growth of the game in Australia, we simply would not be where we are. today”. .
‘Corey’s positivity was contagious. He had a laugh and a smile that could light up any room.
“He was as big a presence off the pitch 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 to celebrate the life of Corey Williams was held at the Melbourne Sports and Aquatics Center on Saturday.