SEATTLE – As the stage is set for the biggest showcase in college basketball, a German talent is turning heads stateside. Hannes Steinbach, a 19-year-aged forward for the Washington Huskies, is enjoying a remarkable freshman season, even as his team will miss out on the prestigious NCAA Tournament, known as March Madness.
The 19-year-old from Würzburg is already considered one of the most exciting European prospects for the 2026 NBA Draft, and is currently being projected as a mid-first-round pick by many NBA draft analysts.
Record-Breaking Freshman Numbers
Steinbach is delivering impressive performances in his first year of college basketball. He’s averaging 18.3 points and 11.6 rebounds per game – a consistent double-double. His impact extends beyond just scoring and rebounding; he’s quickly becoming a force on both ends of the court for the Huskies.
Notably, Steinbach has already set several records. With 19 double-doubles, he holds the University of Washington freshman record and simultaneously established the best mark for a Big Ten freshman since the 1996-97 season, according to team records. This level of production from a first-year player is rare and has scouts taking notice.
Bittersweet End to the Season: No March Madness for Steinbach
Despite his individual accomplishments, Steinbach and the Washington Huskies will not participate in this year’s March Madness tournament. The Huskies finished the regular season with a 15-16 record, leaving them outside of the tournament field.
This is a disappointing outcome for Steinbach, as the NCAA Tournament is a prime opportunity for prospects to elevate their draft stock. However, his consistent performance throughout the season has already established him as a player to watch.
Several other German players will be represented in March Madness, with programs featuring German talent like Arizona, UConn, and Texas Tech considered contenders for deep tournament runs.
However, this doesn’t necessarily represent a setback for Steinbach. Scouts are primarily focused on his individual skills: his physicality, rebounding prowess, and basketball IQ are all considered significant strengths. He’s demonstrating a well-rounded game that translates well to the next level.
The young forward is actively working on the next phase of his development, focusing on expanding his offensive game. “To continue to develop, I’m working a lot on my outside shot,” Steinbach said. “Everyone needs that in modern basketball, no matter how tall or what position you play.”
Steinbach is also receiving support from NBA legend Detlef Schrempf. “I go to the games, I’m sometimes at practice,” Schrempf said. “He has my number, we text. I’m always there for him. But I can’t force myself on him. He has his father (former Bundesliga player Burkhard), who played basketball. Another friend is Dirk Nowitzki. He has plenty of mentors.”
If Steinbach continues on his current trajectory, he could become the next German player to join Dirk Nowitzki and Maxi Kleber in the NBA. The Würzburg native is quickly establishing himself as a player with a bright future.
Steinbach’s recent performances have been particularly noteworthy. On March 5, 2026, he recorded 22 points and 24 rebounds against USC, becoming the first Division I freshman in the past 30 years to achieve at least 20 points, 10 rebounds, and 65% shooting from the field in three consecutive games, according to OptaSTATS. His stat line from those three games: 24 points, 16 rebounds, 69.2% FG against Rutgers; 22 points, 11 rebounds, 72.7% FG against Wisconsin; and 22 points, 24 rebounds, 75.0% FG against USC.
Currently leading the Big Ten and ranking second nationally in rebounding, Steinbach has amassed 19 double-doubles this season. He’s shooting 57.8% from the field, 33.3% from three-point range, and 75.7% from the free-throw line.
The Huskies will conclude their regular season on the road against rival Oregon on Saturday. While the NCAA Tournament is out of reach this year, Steinbach will undoubtedly look to finish the season strong and continue to build momentum heading into the offseason and preparations for the 2026 NBA Draft.
Fans can follow Steinbach and the Washington Huskies for updates on the team’s website and social media channels. The future looks bright for this rising German star.
