Washington Standout Hannes Steinbach to Declare for 2026 NBA Draft

The Washington Huskies are losing a cornerstone of their frontcourt. Hannes Steinbach, the German considerable man who dominated the interior during his freshman campaign, is expected to declare for the 2026 NBA Draft.

According to a report from Draft Express’ Jonathan Givony, Steinbach will forgo further collegiate eligibility after a prolific one-and-done season in Seattle. The decision comes as Steinbach cements his status as one of the most productive young bigs in the country, positioning himself as a projected first-round selection.

For those following the collegiate landscape, a “one-and-done” player is an elite prospect who spends only a single season in college to polish their game before turning professional. In Steinbach’s case, one year with the Huskies was enough to prove he can handle the physicality and tactical demands of high-level basketball.

A Statistical Powerhouse in the Big Ten

Steinbach didn’t just participate in the Big Ten; he dictated the terms of the game. Over 30 starts, the 6-foot-11 forward-center averaged 18.5 points and 11.8 rebounds per game. These numbers reflect a player who was consistently the primary focal point of opposing defensive schemes.

His season was punctuated by “monster” performances that showcased his ceiling. On March 4, in a clash against USC, Steinbach recorded a massive 20-20 game, hauling in 24 rebounds and scoring 22 points. He carried that momentum into the postseason, capping his collegiate career in a Big Ten Tournament loss to Wisconsin with a stat-line of 25 points, 16 rebounds, three blocks, two assists and a steal.

The industry recognized this impact through a sweep of postseason honors. Steinbach earned a spot on the All-Freshman Team and was named a third-team All-Big Ten selection by the league’s coaches and media. The Associated Press was even more bullish on his value, tabbing him as a second-team All-Big Ten honoree.

Scouting the German Prospect: Strength Meets Skill

At 220 pounds, Steinbach is slightly undersized compared to the towering 7-footers typically found in the NBA. Although, scouts emphasize that his physical profile is deceptive. He possesses “immovable strength,” allowing him to anchor the paint on defense and carve out space on offense by physically displacing opponents.

What separates Steinbach from the traditional “bruiser” archetype is his offensive versatility. He isn’t limited to put-backs and dunks; he possesses a refined touch and a legitimate perimeter threat. Steinbach shot 34.0% from beyond the arc on 53 attempts this season, a capability that forces opposing centers to leave the paint and opens up driving lanes for teammates.

His pedigree extends well beyond the collegiate level. Hailing from Wurzburg, Germany, Steinbach brings extensive international experience to the table. He was a key contributor in helping Germany secure a runner-up finish at the 2025 FIBA U19 World Cup, in addition to achievements in the Bundesliga.

While not officially confirmed, reports suggest Steinbach possesses a 7-foot-1 wingspan. If verified, this length would effectively neutralize his height deficit, giving him the reach necessary to compete with the NBA’s elite rim protectors.

NBA Outlook and Draft Timeline

The consensus among analysts is that Steinbach is a high-value asset. The Seattle Times reports that he is expected to be a first-round pick, potentially becoming the first Washington player selected in the opening round in several years.

NBA teams value the “modern big”—a player who can rebound, protect the rim, and stretch the floor. Steinbach fits this mold precisely. His combination of strength, international experience, and collegiate production makes him a versatile frontcourt option capable of slotting into various systems.

The road to the professional ranks now follows a strict calendar. The early entry deadline for the NBA Draft is set for April 24 at 11:59 p.m. ET. Steinbach is well ahead of this window. The draft itself is scheduled for June 13, starting at 5 p.m.

As the declaration process unfolds, the focus shifts to where the German big will land. His ability to balance raw power with a soft shooting touch makes him a compelling prospect for teams looking to modernize their interior presence.

The next official checkpoint for Steinbach will be the formalization of his draft entry ahead of the April 24 deadline.

Do you think Steinbach’s perimeter game makes him a top-10 lock, or is his size a concern? Let us know in the comments.