Josh Giddey’s HUGE tribute to beloved Australian basketball commentator who lost his battle with cancer

Australian NBA star Josh Giddey has paid a touching tribute to beloved Australian basketball commentator Corey “Homicide” Williams, who recently died of cancer at the age of just 46.

The Melbourne-born point guard arrived at Game 6 of the NBA conference semifinals between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the 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.

Williams took 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 matchup against the Dallas Mavericks in their NBA Semifinals series

He was born Carey Williams in New York and made his name as an aggressive street ball champion before being signed by the Crocodiles in the Australian NBL in 2007.

He energized the league, which was struggling at the time, by coining the term “Croc Nation” and bringing his fun, trashy style of basketball to a new crowd down under.

Williams propelled the Crocodiles into the NBL semi-finals against all odds and was crowned league MVP.

In retirement, he went on to become the face of the NBL as a commentator and analyst, popularizing the slogan “it’s not a cupcake league”.

As a commentator, Williams worked hard and earned himself a legion of supporters.

The NBL is struggling to come to terms with the shock death of Williams, who was just 46 years old.

Williams was also a big supporter of Giddey before his recruitment, posting on Instagram: “Let me first say, @joshgiddey, you are the future of Australian basketball.

“You’re going to inspire an entire nation of Hoopers.”

“People are getting familiar, it’s the face of the next generation of Hoopers over there.”

Giddey’s show of respect for ‘Homicide’ led to a new wave of tributes from Australian basketball fans.

“I appreciate JG’s thinking. You’re a real one,” one posted in response to images of Giddey wearing the Homicide Crocs jersey.

“Josh Giddey is going to hit the winning basket with this stylish move here,” added another.

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 was unable to inspire Giddey and OKC to a victory, with Dallas winning the series with a nail-biting final result of 117-116.

Giddey’s gesture inspired a new wave of tributes to “Homicide,” which left a lasting impression with its larger-than-life approach to acting.

NBL owner Larry Kestelman paid tribute 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 enthusiasm for the growth of the game in Australia, we We just wouldn’t 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 present off the field as he was on it and built 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 Center on Saturday.