Washington basketball star declares for 2026 NBA Draft

In an announcement that came as a surprise to absolutely nobody who watched the Washington Huskies at any point during the 2025-26 college basketball season, forward Hannes Steinbach announced his intentions to enter the NBA draft process on Tuesday.

During his one year on Montlake, the 6-foot-11 German-born freshman was nothing short of dominant. He averaged 18.5 points and 11.8 rebounds per game, the latter of which was the top mark in the nation, and added 1.8 assists, 1.4 blocks, and 1.2 steals per contest while shooting 57.7 percent from the floor and 34 percent from three-point range.

Those numbers were more than enough for Steinbach to make his way onto the All-Big Ten Third Team, as well as the all-conference Freshman Team, while head coach Danny Sprinkle was never shy about comparing him to a Basketball Hall of Famer as he put up historic numbers, including a 22-point, 24-rebound double-double against the USC Trojans in March.

"If he gets his hands on it, he's getting it," Sprinkle said of Steinbach's rebounding ability in the preseason. "I don't want to say he's Dennis Rodman, but just how some guys always have a knack to be around the basketball, that's what he is."

NBA scouts were also quick to take note of Steinbach's elite abilities at both ends of the floor, which should help him wind up as a lottery selection in June. According to ESPN's Jeremy Woo, he's the No. 15 prospect in what is widely considered to be a loaded draft class.

"Steinbach finished a productive year in a losing context, recording 20 double-doubles and showcasing his dependability," Woo said of Steinbach. "His above-average skill and feel, and ability to operate out of different spots on the floor, give him a good chance to carve out an NBA role. Although not a dynamic scorer, Steinbach does offer floor-spacing potential, making 34% of his threes this season."

"He's viewed by scouts as undersized for a center and likely not quick enough to guard at power forward, something that could ultimately cap his path to being a top-end starter. Still, Steinbach offers an attractive long-term floor as a rotation big man."

This article originally appeared on Huskies Wire: Washington Huskies star F declares for 2026 NBA Draft