Wildcats Lock in Ben Henshall on New Two-Year Deal
Written By
Daniel Gawned
The 21-year-old local product took a major leap in his second season with the Wildcats, where he emerged as one of Australia’s most exciting young talents.
Averaging 23 minutes per game and up to 29 in the playoffs, Henshall more than tripled his scoring output, jumping from 3.1 points per game in NBL24 to 9.8 in NBL25. He also lifted his field goal percentage to 42.2%, increased his rebounds to 3.4 and assists to 2.6 per game, showing clear growth in all areas of his game.
With these impressive numbers and impactful minutes, it’s easy to see why Henshall was a clear standout for his NBL25 Most Improved Player nomination and gained strong interest from NBA clubs during the 2025 Draft process.
“It’s exciting to have Ben back while trusting us to help him chase his goal of the NBA” Wildcats head coach John Rillie said.
“His shot making and explosive scoring ability compliments the other pieces on our roster.”
Henshall’s defining Wildcats performance came in front of a packed RAC Arena in early November of NBL25, where he led the team to victory over eventual champions Illawarra. In a game against the competition’s best, Henshall dropped a career-high 26 points, including five three-pointers, and added six assists in a statement showing of poise and confidence on the big stage.
It’s these standout moments that have the home-grown talent eager to play again in front of the Red Army in NBL26.
“Super excited to re-sign and continue my journey with Perth,” Ben Henshall said.
“Can’t wait to play in front of the Red Army again and chase that championship.”
Henshall’s basketball resume continues to be on the rise, from being a standout junior representing WA and Australia multiple times, where he picked up the Bob Staunton Medal as the most outstanding player at the 2023 U20 National Championships.
He has since gone on to become a regular fixture in the Australian Boomers squad and has just been named in the Boomers FIBA Asia Cup team, with the tournament commencing Wednesday, 6 August.
With his athleticism, size and two-way game, Perth Wildcats General Manager of Basketball Operations Danny Mills said the club is excited to keep building with Henshall as a key part of the roster.
“We’ve backed Ben from the start as a potential star of the future for the franchise, and the growth he showed last season is proof of that”.
“With the work he’s put in the last two seasons in our program and the maturity he’s showed at just 21 years old, makes it clear he’s on an exciting path.”
“We fully support his NBA aspirations and will continue to push him every day to reach that next level, whilst contributing to our team goal of winning an NBL Championship”
The signing of Henshall compliments an exciting Wildcats roster that includes returning imports Kristian Doolittle and Dylan Windler, alongside Jesse Wagstaff, Sunday Dech, Elijah Pepper, David Okwera, Lat Mayen, Dontae Russo Nance, Next Star Noa Kouakou Heugue and marquee centre Jo Lual-Acuil. As well as the strong duo of development players, Cameron Huefner and Tom Gerovich.
The Perth Wildcats will be making an announcement on the remaining roster spots in the coming weeks. 
Tickets on sale now to see Ben back in action at the Perth Wildcats International Series right here in Perth 👆
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