The Transfer Portal is a wild ride, full of surprises and opportunities. Right now, Big Blue Nation is anxiously watching to see which players might leave Lexington.
But there's also a treasure trove of talent about to become available nationwide. One name that should be on every Kentucky fan's radar is Hannes Steinbach from the Washington Huskies.
If you haven't heard of Steinbach yet, you're not alone. He was somewhat hidden on a struggling Washington team in the Big Ten, which only managed a 16-17 record despite having a potential lottery pick. Yet, amid the chaos, Steinbach shone brightly as a standout performer.
A Force in the Pacific Northwest
Steinbach delivered jaw-dropping stats that demand national attention. He wrapped up the 2025-26 season with averages of 18.5 points and 11.8 rebounds, logging about 35 minutes per game.
The 6-foot-11 forward from Germany shot nearly 58% from the field, hit 34% of his threes, and made 76% of his free throws. This guy can flat-out shoot.
He wasn't just quietly racking up stats; he was a matchup nightmare. Steinbach recorded 22 double-doubles, including an eye-popping 20-point, 20-rebound performance, along with several 20-15 games.
Think of Oscar Tshiebwe with a jumper, and you've got Steinbach. The talent is undeniable, but there's a catch.
The NBA Draft Conundrum
The real challenge for Mark Pope isn't competing with Washington. It's the NBA that's the big hurdle.
Steinbach's skills have put him firmly on the pro radar. As noted by Huskies beat writer Mark Knight, if Steinbach is projected as a lottery pick, he could be looking at $3 to $4 million in guaranteed rookie money.
That's hard to pass up unless you consider the bigger picture.
The timing of the draft classes presents an intriguing choice. The 2026 NBA Draft is loaded with talent, featuring names like Cam Boozer, Koa Peat, and others.
In contrast, the next high school class is seen as weaker, making the 2027 draft less competitive. If Steinbach stays in college another year, he could earn significant NIL money at a powerhouse like Kentucky, then enter a weaker draft pool and secure a higher draft position with more lucrative earnings.
If Steinbach opts for another year in college, Mark Pope should be doing everything possible to bring him to Lexington. The opportunity is too good to miss.