Ben Henshall is staying in the NBL, officially re-signing with the Perth Wildcats on a two-year deal, ending a whirlwind offseason that saw the emerging star chase a high-profile college opportunity in the United States. The decision closes the chapter on Henshall’s bold attempt to join the NCAA under a lucrative NIL deal, which ultimately proved too complicated to execute.

The 20-year-old guard had initially set his sights on a move to the University of Florida, where he was expected to link up with former teammate and fellow Perth product Alex Condon. Multiple sources confirmed in late July that Florida had identified Henshall as a potential fit to help replenish their depleted backcourt following a string of transfers.

According to ESPN, the plan was for Henshall to sign a one-year deal, cash in on a substantial NIL package reported to be worth up to $US400,000, and then enter the 2025 NBA Draft.

But that dream hit a wall. Despite months of back-and-forth negotiations, efforts by Henshall’s management to clear NCAA eligibility requirements fell short. Under newly relaxed rules, international players with prior professional experience can play college basketball—but only if certain financial and contractual thresholds are met.

While the opportunity to play college basketball alongside Condon at Florida was tantalising, the regulatory fog surrounding NCAA income and eligibility thresholds proved too thick.

Henshall then recommitted to Perth, who had been quietly pushing for his return since June. That came after Henshall formally withdrew from the NBA Draft on June 15, with his agent confirming to ESPN’s Jonathan Givony that the guard would now weigh his options in Australia and abroad.

His return to the Wildcats follows a breakout season in which he averaged 9.4 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game across 24 minutes, a major leap from the previous year when he logged just six minutes a night. Known for his slashing drives, physicality, and perimeter upside, Henshall was instrumental in several of Perth’s key wins during NBL25 and emerged as a fan favourite for his gritty two-way play.

That form carried over to the international stage. Currently a part of Australia’s squad for the FIBA Asia Cup 2025 qualifiers, Henshall has played a key role for the green and gold in recent games, averaging 11.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 1.5 steals and shooting 55.2% from the field, including a scorching 73.3% on two-pointers and 81.8% from the free throw line across four games played for the Boomers this year.

The Boomers’ Asia Cup campaign begins August 6 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and Henshall joins a loaded squad that includes Josh Bannan, Will Hickey, Xavier Cooks, Will Magnay, Dash Daniels, Sean Macdonald, Owen Foxwell, Jack McVeigh, Jaylin Galloway, Reyne Smith, Angus Glover, Jack White, and Harry Wessels.

Visit our NBL Free Agent Tracker for the latest NBL player movements and rumours.