Ben Henshall: Perth Wildcats young gun confirms NBA Draft nomination

West Australian

30-04-2025

The WA presence in this year's NBA Draft pool continues to swell, with Ben Henshall the latest Perth product to confirm his nomination.
The 20-year-old guard was listed among the 106 early-entry candidates ahead of June's draft, joining Wildcats teammate Izan Almansa and Perth-raised Florida big man Alex Condon on the list.
Henshall travelled to the US in early April to begin the process of going through pre-draft workouts to give potential suitors an up-close look at his talents.
The Wildcat averaged 10 points and almost three assists per game while showing an improved defensive effort in a breakout NBL campaign, becoming a key part of Perth's rotation.
Earlier this year, Perth general manager Danny Mills said the club was in discussions with Henshall to return to the Wildcats next season even if he gets drafted, in a similar fashion to former Perth small forward Luke Travers.
'We're excited that he's going to get this experience. The hope and the belief is that he'll be back in a Perth uniform come NBL 26,' Mills said.
'He's got such a bright future. There's no rush. So if he or his representatives don't feel there's enough interest for him to secure a guaranteed deal and get drafted, he still has another year of eligibility.'
Fellow NBL products Alex Toohey (Sydney), Rocco Zikarsky (Brisbane) and Malique Lewis (South East Melbourne) are also in draft contention after securing their places on the early-entry candidate list.