Who is Corey from Rainbow Boys and what is their importance?

Corey is Jason Carrillo's best friend and fellow basketball player. At the opening of the novel, Corey and Jason are extremely similar: both are gifted athletes, popular at school, and have beautiful girlfriends on their arms. When Jason begins to question his sexuality, he longs to tell Corey the truth but fears that doing so would cost him his friendship. When Corey finds out the truth, he is somewhat understanding, but warns that Jason should keep this secret to himself.