2026 NBA Draft Profile

Overview
Hannes Steinbach began playing for Wurzburg in Germany in the 2024-25 season, during which he averaged 7.2 points and 5.7 rebounds while shooting 61.0 percent from the floor in 18.6 minutes per tilt over 31 outings. Following his time in Germany, where he was born to former German professional Burkhard Steinbach, the 20-year-old joined the University of Washington for the 2025-26 campaign. Over 30 appearances for the Huskies, he averaged 18.5 points, 11.8 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 1.2 blocks and 1.1 steals while shooting 57.7 percent from the field and 34.0 percent from downtown in 34.6 minutes per contest. 

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Analysis
Steinbach is a mobile big who can attack downhill and finish with physicality while also showing a solid touch around the paint. He is comfortable using his size to get to the rim but can also hit spot-up looks from downtown. The big man can put the ball on the floor and has potential as a secondary creator on the offensive end, though his 2.0 turnovers compared to 1.6 assists per game in college highlight room for improved decision-making. His rebounding and defensive potential are also key parts of his game. 

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Projection
Steinbach projects as frontcourt depth early in his career and can operate as both a power forward and a small-ball five. He could carve out a significant role depending on where he lands, which will also impact his development as both a passer and shooter. Similar to Alperen Sengun, Steinbach has shown early promise of being able to create for himself and others while also being a strong rebounder.

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Career Highlights

• 2025-26 NCAA Division I rebounding leader (11.8 rpg).
• 2025-26 All-Big Ten Second Team selection by AP.
• 2025-26 Big Ten All-Freshman Team honoree.
• Earned All-Star Five honors while helping Germany win a silver medal at the 2025 FIBA U19 World Cup.
• In 2024-25, played 41 games for Würzburg Baskets in the German Bundesliga (9.1 ppg, 6.9 rpg).

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Freshman (2025-26)

• Led the Big Ten in rebounds, offensive rebounds and defensive rebounds per game.
• Highest-scoring freshman in the conference (18.5 ppg).
• Ranked third in the Big Ten in field goal percentage (57.7).
• Set career highs of 24 rebounds and 12 offensive rebounds to go with 22 points vs. USC (March 4).
• Scored 29 points on 11-of-12 shooting from the field against UCLA (Dec. 3).

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Strengths

• Physical, skilled big man with elite rebounding instincts.
• Efficient finisher with strong hands and a soft touch.
• Advanced feel as a passer for his position.
• Tough and competitive; plays through contact.

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Personal

• Father, Burkhard, was a teammate of Dirk Nowitzki’s with Würzburg Baskets.
• Hannes interacted with Nowitzki as a youth and attended camps run by Dirk’s mentor, Holger Geschwindner.

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Go Figure
Steinbach tied for the NCAA Division I lead with 22 double-doubles in 2025-26, alongside Duke’s Cameron Boozer and Kent State’s Delrecco Gillespie.

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Quotable
“He is a de facto point guard in a 6-11 body. He gets us going because he’s a mismatch. It doesn’t matter who you guard him with. If you guard him one-on-one, he is going to score or get a good shot up, or he is going to create something for somebody else.”
— Washington head coach Danny Sprinkle, to The Seattle Times

— Profile by RotoWire.com with additional info from the official NBA Draft Media Guide