Henshall: "This is my dream"

Perth Wildcats young gun Ben Henshall is fully focused on hearing his name called at the NBA Draft, despite the lure of big-money offers from college teams.

The 20-year-old is one of five NBL25 rostered players hoping to catch the eye of scouts at the Draft Combine in Chicago this week, and he believes he’s ready to take the next step.

“I want to show them I can shoot, but also that I’m more than just a shooter,” he said.

“I can get downhill, hit mid-range shots, and I feel like I can pass the ball too. Just being able to show my complete skill set would be great.”

Henshall has spent the past two seasons with the Perth Wildcats, seeing his production rise significantly in NBL25. He logged 23 minutes per game, up from just six in NBL24, and averaged 9.8 points, 3.1 rebounds and 2.6 assists.

He nominated for the Draft in late April.

“I’m going to go through this week with my focus fully on getting drafted. This is where I want to be,” he said.

“This is my dream. I’ll keep focusing on that, and whatever happens, happens.

“It’s been unbelievable. I’m super grateful to be in this position. It’s something I’ve dreamed about for a while. It’s been a great week so far. I got a chance to play some games and do all the shooting drills you see on TV. It’s exactly what it looks like in real life.

“I’m super proud of myself.”

Perth Wildcats young gun Ben Henshall is making a strong impression in front of NBA scouts at the 2025 Draft Combine in Chicago. ❤️

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— Perth Wildcats (@PerthWildcats) May 14, 2025

Henshall says playing in a professional league against bigger bodies has prepared him to take on some of the best young players in the world.

“I’ve been playing against grown men for the last two years. Guys who’ve been in the league, some really good European imports, and experienced vets in the Australian league. I feel like I’m bringing that physicality. I’m already used to playing against men.”

And he has plenty of NBA experience to lean on, including one of his closest friends, Johnny Furphy - an emerging star with the Indiana Pacers - and fellow Australian hopeful Alex Condon.

“He’s been huge,” Henshall said of Furphy.

“We lived together for over a year and he’s one of my closest friends.

“We pushed each other a lot to get better, whether it was training or even competing at frisbee golf. He’s someone I can lean on.”