Ben Henshall has heard the chatter. For much of his young NBL career, he has been viewed primarily as a scorer — an explosive talent capable of putting points on the board in a hurry. But as the 2026 season has unfolded, the Perth Wildcats guard has made one thing abundantly clear: he has always seen himself as a point guard.

Now, with opportunity knocking and the Wildcats surging up the standings, Henshall is proving that his belief in his all-around game was never misplaced.

At just 21 years of age, Henshall is producing career-best form while orchestrating Perth’s offence, and the timing could not be better. With the Wildcats pushing hard for championship contention, his seamless transition into the starting point guard role has been one of the defining storylines of their season.

From Debut Sensation to Offensive Catalyst

Henshall burst onto the NBL scene in 2023 with a stunning 24-point performance on debut — a statement that immediately put the league on notice. It was the kind of performance that shapes early narratives, and from that moment, many fans and analysts pigeonholed him as a pure scorer.

Yet his journey has been more nuanced.

Over the past few seasons, Henshall has shifted between roles within Perth’s system. Sharing the court with high-usage stars such as Bryce Cotton meant fewer opportunities to control possessions. He adapted, often working off the ball and filling gaps where needed. But beneath that flexibility was a player confident in his ability to lead from the front.

That opportunity arrived when David Duke was sidelined with an elbow injury earlier this season. Rather than simply plug a temporary hole, Henshall seized the moment — and reshaped both perception and production.

Numbers That Tell the Story

The statistical jump has been undeniable.

Earlier in the season, Henshall averaged 7.7 points and 1.9 assists per game — solid but modest returns. Since assuming full point guard responsibilities in January, those numbers have soared to 12.1 points and 5.1 assists per game.

The leap in assists is particularly telling. It reflects not just greater usage, but a broader understanding of tempo, spacing, and decision-making. The Wildcats’ offence has flowed with renewed rhythm, and Henshall’s command of the middle pick-and-roll has unlocked scoring opportunities across the floor.

His influence has coincided with Perth climbing into fourth spot on the NBL ladder — a surge that has reignited championship ambitions at RAC Arena.

Even more significant is coach John Rillie’s decision to keep Henshall in the starting point guard role when Duke returns against the Brisbane Bullets on Friday night. It is a vote of confidence that underlines how transformative this stretch has been.

“I’ve Played Point Guard for Most of My Life”

Henshall’s confidence in the role is rooted in years of development.

“I’ve played point guard for most of my life,” Henshall told The West Australian.

“I can swing off the ball as a combo guard too which is super helpful for me. But I’m comfortable with the ball in my hands and making decisions out of middle pick-and-rolls. That’s where I feel the most comfortable.

“When I was at the COE (Centre of Excellence), they developed me into a point guard. In my whole two years there, I had the ball in my hands. Then I came over to Perth and we had Bryce who has the ball a lot. So I was chopping and changing.

“A lot of people don’t really know I can pass the ball and handle the rock.”

Those words carry weight. At the Centre of Excellence, Henshall was groomed as a floor general — tasked with reading defences, managing pace, and elevating teammates. That foundation never disappeared; it simply required the right circumstances to re-emerge.

HoopsFest and the NBA Spotlight

If there were lingering doubts about his broader skill set, HoopsFest helped erase them.

With NBA scouts descending on Perth to evaluate NBL talent, Henshall delivered one of his most complete performances of the season. Against the Illawarra Hawks, he posted 15 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists — a stat line that showcased versatility rather than just scoring punch.

It was the kind of performance that travels beyond box scores. Scouts value guards who can manipulate defences, defend multiple positions, and impact the game without dominating the ball. Henshall’s showing at HoopsFest elevated his reputation and hinted at higher ceilings.

In a league increasingly viewed as a pathway to the NBA, such performances matter.

A Competitor with Championship Ambitions

For all the individual progress, Henshall’s focus remains firmly team-oriented. He grew up in Perth watching the Wildcats build a culture of sustained excellence, and the desire to contribute to that legacy drives him.

“I want to win a championship. In grew up in Perth. I grew up watching the Wildcats win championships. It’s something I want to do. A big reason why I play basketball is to compete and to win. I’m a competitor so hopefully we can go all the way.”

That competitive edge is evident in his preparation and on-court demeanour.

“The challenge of the role is great. I come into every game ready to go after everyone who I match up on. There’s nothing personal out there, but I make it personal.

“Before every game starts I watch clips of the guys we play against, especially guys who are around my age or who I grew up playing against. I like to make it known that I’m coming out to compete.”

It is a mindset that resonates within Perth’s locker room. The Wildcats have long prided themselves on defensive intensity and mental toughness. Henshall’s approach — blending preparation with controlled aggression — fits squarely within that identity.

The Bigger Picture for Perth

With Duke’s return imminent, Perth faces an enviable dilemma rather than a crisis. Maintaining Henshall as the primary point guard while integrating Duke offers flexibility and depth heading into the business end of the season.

Coach John Rillie’s decision to keep Henshall in the role speaks volumes about trust and trajectory. At 21, he is no longer simply a promising scorer; he is evolving into a two-way guard capable of dictating games.

The Wildcats’ rise into fourth spot is not accidental. It reflects improved cohesion, defensive commitment, and a renewed offensive structure centred around dynamic guard play.

As the NBL season edges toward its climax, Perth appears to have rediscovered balance — and Henshall stands at the centre of it.