Henshall on Boomers debut, ex-Wildcat's influence

Henshall spent the NBL’s FIBA break representing his country in a pair of qualifying victories over Korea and Indonesia respectively.

He scored 14 points to go with three rebounds on debut in Bendigo, earning the praise of Boomers coach Brian Goorjian in the process.

The 19-year-old, who was back on the training court with his club teammates at Bendat Basketball Centre on Thursday, said he learned a lot from the leadership of Kay, a two-time NBL champion with the Wildcats now plying his trade in Japan.

“He’s a great leader,” Henshall said.

“I did a different Boomers stint where I was just a training player but this time I was a lot more involved in the team.

“Being around the group, especially Nick Kay, he’s a great leader and had a lot to share with us.”

Henshall hoped to take out a “gold standard” attitude from his time with the national team as he embarks on a maiden NBL play-offs campaign with the Wildcats, starting against Tasmania at RAC Arena next week.

“A lot of it was to do with doing everything to a gold standard, whether you’re on the court, off the court, cleaning up after yourself, doing everything at the highest level.

“I’m definitely going to take that away.”

From a playing point of view, Henshall noticed the physicality of international basketball, something he’ll look to add to his game.

“Playing at that level is a bit different to the NBL, you can be a lot more physical,” Henshall said.

“So coming back here, I’m going to bring that physicality, especially with guys like Bryce Cotton who’s going to get guarded hard in these next couple of play-offs games.

“At practice I’m going to bring it hard so I can prepare those guys for next week.”

Henshall has made a habit of producing in limited court time this season, highlighted by a stunning NBL debut against South East Melbourne Phoenix in October, scoring a game-high 24 points in a losing cause at John Cain Arena.

“I think it’s just my confidence,” Henshall said about making the most of his opportunities.

“I’m confident in my ability so when I do get on the court, I’m not scared of anything so I’m going to get out there and play my game regardless of who I’m playing again.”

Henshall and the Wildcats take on Tasmania JackJumpers in a three-game play-off series, starting at RAC Arena on Friday 8 March.

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