Washington freshman Hannes Steinbach makes 2026 NBA draft plans known

Washington freshman Hannes Steinbach is reportedly declaring for the 2026 NBA draft after one season with the Huskies, according to Jonathan Givony of DraftExpress.

Steinbach was a third-team All-Big Ten selection, averaging 18.5 points, 11.8 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 1.2 blocks and 1.1 steals while shooting 34% from 3-point range in 30 games. He is the first Husky freshman to earn an all-conference nod since Isaiah Stewart in 2021.

The 6-foot-11 forward led the country in rebounding and was tied for the most double-doubles with 22, one shy of the program record (Jon Brockman). He set the Big Ten double-double record for a freshman and had the most overall since Zach Edey in the 2023-24 season (30).

Steinbach is projected to be a mid-first-round pick this year because of his scoring, rebounding and vision with the ball in his hands. He also flourished with the Huskies in pick-and-roll situations as a finisher at the rim, which should entice teams at the next level.

Prior to playing at Washington, Steinbach spent the 2024-25 season with Würzburg in the German League. He averaged 9.1 points, 6.9 rebounds, one steal and one block on 61.8% shooting from the field in 41 games with the senior team.

Steinbach has also represented Germany in several international competitions, most recently in the 2025 FIBA U19 Basketball World Cup. He averaged 17.4 points, 13 rebounds and 1.9 assists as the group won the silver medal in Switzerland.

This article originally appeared on Rookie Wire: Washington news: Hannes Steinbach makes 2026 NBA draft plans known