Perth Wildcats rising star Ben Henshall has declared a bold new ambition for the remainder of the NBL season, shifting his focus from scoring to becoming a premier defensive force for his team.
From Scorer to Stopper: Henshall's New Goal
Now in his third season with the Wildcats, Henshall made his name as a potent scorer but is now targeting a major evolution in his game. The West Australian, who travelled to the United States in 2025 to pursue his NBA dream, believes becoming a lockdown defender is the key to his and the team's success.
"I want to take another massive jump on the defensive end," Henshall stated. "I want to be a guy that can guard their best player. I think focusing more on that and helping that to translate into my offence is a big goal of mine for the rest of the season."
Seizing the Opportunity Amid Injury Crisis
Henshall's renewed focus comes as he steps into a larger role following an elbow injury to import guard David Duke. After coming off the bench for much of the campaign in a re-vamped line-up, Henshall returned to the starting five against the Brisbane Bullets on Thursday, 2 January 2026.
He made the most of his increased responsibility, playing a pivotal 25 minutes—up from his season average of 19—and contributing 12 points, four rebounds, three assists, three steals, and one block. His defensive intensity was a standout feature of the performance.
"It sucks that a guy like Dave goes down. He's a great person and is a big part of our team but it's room for other guys to step up," Henshall said, highlighting the opportunity for younger players like himself, Elijah Pepper, and Jaron Rillie to fill the void.
Immediate Test Against Breakers' Star
Henshall will get an immediate chance to prove his defensive mettle when the Wildcats face the New Zealand Breakers at Spark Arena on Sunday. His likely assignment will be containing dynamic Breakers guard Parker Jackson-Cartwright, who has averaged 20 points and seven assists in two games against Perth this season.
Regardless of whether he starts or comes off the bench, Henshall insists his defensive mindset will remain unchanged. "No matter what minutes I get, I need to come in with the same energy and intent as I did. Whether I'm coming off the bench or starting, if I can bring it on the defensive end, it is going to help our team to win."
The match is crucial for both teams' ladder positions. The Wildcats currently hold a 12-10 record, sitting in fifth spot, while the Breakers are seventh with an 8-13 record. Perth is embarking on a challenging stretch of five consecutive away games while the RAC Arena hosts the United Cup tennis tournament, making every win vital to build momentum.
