Washington freshman Hannes Steinbach has officially declared for the 2026 NBA Draft, ending his lone college season with the Huskies and initiating his journey to the professional ranks.
The 6-foot-11 forward from Würzburg, Germany, announced his decision after a standout freshman campaign in which he averaged 18.5 points, 11.8 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 1.2 blocks and 1.1 steals per game although shooting 34% from three-point range across 30 contests.
Steinbach’s statistical profile placed him among the nation’s elite rebounders, as he led the country in total rebounds and tied for the most double-doubles with 22 — just one shy of the Washington program record set by Jon Brockman. His 22 double-doubles too established a new Large Ten freshman record and marked the highest total by any freshman since Zach Edey’s 30 in the 2023-24 season.
His performances earned him third-team All-Big Ten honors, making him the first Washington freshman to receive all-conference recognition since Isaiah Stewart in 2021. Steinbach also represented Germany internationally during the 2025 FIBA U19 Basketball World Cup, where he averaged 17.4 points, 13 rebounds and 1.9 assists while helping his team secure a silver medal in Switzerland.
Prior to his enrollment at Washington, Steinbach played the 2024-25 season with Würzburg’s senior team in the German Basketball Bundesliga, averaging 9.1 points, 6.9 rebounds, one steal and one block per game while shooting 61.8% from the field in 41 appearances.
Scouting reports highlight Steinbach’s physical readiness for the next level, noting his well-built frame at 220 pounds and reported 7-1 wingspan — attributes that compensate for his slightly below-average height for a modern NBA center. Analysts emphasize his strength in the paint, two-way rebounding instincts, and effectiveness as a finisher in pick-and-roll situations as key translatable skills to the professional game.
Despite being older than the typical freshman due to his international experience, Steinbach is projected as a mid-first-round selection in the 2026 NBA Draft, with evaluators citing his scoring versatility, elite rebounding, and advanced court vision as primary factors in his draft stock.
His decision to forgo remaining college eligibility comes amid reported name, image and likeness (NIL) offers that reportedly reached seven figures, though Steinbach chose to pursue his NBA aspirations instead. Washington’s coaching staff has acknowledged his development over the season and expressed confidence in his ability to adapt to the demands of professional basketball.
As Steinbach transitions to the draft process, his international background — including prior exposure to FIBA competition and professional play in Germany — adds a layer of experience uncommon among typical one-and-done prospects. His familiarity with high-stakes international basketball may aid his adjustment to the NBA’s physical and tactical demands.
The 2026 NBA Draft will mark the next step in Steinbach’s basketball journey, one that began in Germany and continued through a single impactful season in Pullman, Washington. His performance as a freshman has positioned him as a notable prospect in a draft class expected to feature several internationally developed big men.
For continued updates on Hannes Steinbach’s draft preparations, prospect evaluations, and NBA Combine participation, readers are encouraged to follow official NBA communications and trusted sports news outlets as the process unfolds over the coming months.
Stay tuned to Archysport for comprehensive coverage of the 2026 NBA Draft and all developments surrounding emerging basketball talent preparing for the next stage of their careers.
