Wildcats sign young forward to kick off free-agency period

The South Australian product will join the Wildcats as a Development Player for NBL26 before joining the main roster the following season. There’s also a team option for a third season.

Huefner (pronounced who-f-ner) is an excellent size at 203cm and 105kg and has spent the past three years at Sam Houston State University in Texas.

The 23-year-old had an impressive senior year at Sam Houston, averaging 13.4 points and 5.3 rebounds per game and starting in all 30 of his appearances.

Huefner was a Conference-USA All Conference honourable mention award-winner in both his junior and senior year. 

Before that, he played juniors for Norwood Flames in the NBL1 South and also represented South Australia at national underage level.

Huefner said he couldn’t wait for the opportunity to learn from some of the experienced Wildcats like captain Jesse Wagstaff and import Kristian Doolittle and play in front of the Red Army at RAC Arena.

“I’m really looking forward to playing with some professionals and jelling with the guys and understanding what it takes to become a professional,” Huefner said.

“Another big thing is the crowd. I’ve seen there’s 13,000 per game so I think that’s going to be pretty incredible.”

Huefner said returning to Australia and playing in the NBL was always a goal of his.

“It was always a goal,” he said.

“I think it’s probably a top-three league in the world so knowing that I did have a chance to come back and play in Australia, I will definitely do it.

“It’s definitely an exciting thing and I’m very happy to be headed back to Perth.”

Wildcats Head Coach John Rillie is excited for the potential of what the talented big can produce at NBL level.

“Cameron is a young and exciting prospect from Adelaide who’s put together an impressive senior year at Sam Houston University,” Rillie said.

“He’s a really good size, a high-level rebounder and versatile scorer who compliments our front-court nicely.

“We believe he has the physical attributes to compete at the NBL level early on.”

Wildcats General Manager of Basketball Operations Danny Mills believes Huefner is an integral piece of the club’s roster build.

“We’re really excited to bring in Cameron to kickstart what we believe will be a long and successful pro career,” Mills said.

“Cameron has just completed his collegiate career at Sam Houston State and had a very productive senior year.

“We’re looking forward to helping him further develop and take that next step under the guidance of our coaches and on-court leaders like Jesse Wagstaff and Kristian Doolittle.

“As we continue to build our roster for now and into the future, Cameron is an integral part of the long-term vision.”

The 2025 NBL free-agency period kicked off on Friday morning.

It comes after the WIldcats locked in import Kristian Doolittle on a three-year deal and captain Jesse Wagstaff for a record-extending 17th season at the club.

Sharpshooting guard Elijah Pepper and Development Player Tom Gerovich are also locked in for NBL26 after the Wildcats picked up the second-year team option on both emerging players.

 * Contract is subject to NBL approval