I got a chance to chop it up with the legendary baller Corey “Homicide” Williams for an AllThingsHoops.com exclusive interview. I was excited to be conducting this interview because first and foremost, I’m a fan of Streetball. I’ve watched as a guy from the Bronx has taken his talent around the globe to not only make a name for himself on the court but to inspire others to work hard for what they believe in.
The name Homicide is an interesting moniker that came from the countless casualties Corey collected on the court. Mostly known for his prowess on the Streetball circuit, Homicide has been through every level of basketball you can think of. From going to Rice High School and not playing much to the JUCO ranks all the way to the NBA, Homicide’s story is one of hard work, professionalism, and mental toughness.
As we conversed about the game we both love, it felt more like a conversation that I would have with one of my close friends. After all, this game is a universal language that brings together people from all walks of life. My first question was something that I already knew the answer to but wanted him to reaffirm. I needed him to reiterate and explain the importance of the game of basketball on his life and tell me how has it helped shape him as a person?. The response I got is what I expected it to be.
Basketball is a huge part of my life! It took a kid from the Bronx and allowed me to see the world
Growing up in NYC is rough because of all the distractions that a young person faces, and for Corey it was no different. The dangers that lurk on the streets will destroy someone’s life with total disregard. It was basketball that helped him steer clear of those dangers and gave him hope.
After breaking the ice, I wanted to know who were some of the people who were most influential to his success while growing up. His brother seemed to be his largest influence, in retrospect. He explained how he would watch his brother, who played with ballers turned rappers Mase and Camron at Manhattan Center HS in Harlem, NYC. After a while of spectating, he developed his own love and passion for the game. The rest is history. He would go on to play ball in over 22 countries and earn an appreciation for other cultures and people in general.
He also mentioned how a guy named Tony Parker who was a coach who believed in him as a ball player. Mr. Parker told him that he had what it took to make the NBA. Mr. Parker would also use a connection to have an NBA coach of the Toronto Raptors come to Dyckman park in Washington Heights to watch Homicide play. The only other player to get a shot at the league from the playground was NBA champion Mario Ellie of the Houston Rockets.
I wanted to dive deeper into Homicide’s professional basketball career. He had conquered a feat that all young ball players dream about, a shot at the NBA. Corey explained “When doors closed on me at the college level of basketball and there wasn’t a clear path on how I’m going to fulfill this goal, I had to make my own lane! I made it from the mud… made the NBA from the playground! Now how many people can say that?!?! I had the assistant coach of the Toronto Raptors at my streetball game!! That just doesn’t magically happen! I had to make things happen for myself!!!”. These are stories that you can’t just make up. After it’s all said and done “I have over 15 years of professional basketball experience. Just because you aren’t in the NBA doesn’t mean you aren’t a professional. I got paid to play basketball. I had shoe deals overseas! How many people get to do that coming from the Bronx?!? I lived the dream!” He continued. You have to have a strong will to succeed and a drive like no other to push yourself the way he did.
Homicide beat the odds. The game of basketball is no longer domestic. With players from around the world now aiming at the same goal of a shot at the NBA, the odds are that much smaller. Homicide describes a raw depiction of his ups and downs playing ball throughout the years. He has now has added a new title to his name, entrepreneur. He has created the Wolf Institute and aims to help educate and inspire young people to be leaders through his movement. In addition to serving as a role model and inspiration for youth, he has a street wear clothing line that has been picking up steam everyday. The Wolf Institute is a lifestyle brand. It’s deeper than just basketball. It’s about being a great person inside and out. We all are Patient Wolves. The key is always being hungry and knowing when to attack and when not to. We at AllThingsHoops.com thank Corey “Homicide” Williams for the exclusive interview and hope for nothing but success for him.
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