The Washington Huskies men's basketball team is once again on the outside looking in as the NCAA tournament unfolds, marking their seventh consecutive absence. While the team grapples with this ongoing drought, all eyes are on their standout player from last season, Hannes Steinbach, who might be ready to take his talents to the next level.
Steinbach, a freshman forward who made waves by earning third-team All-Big Ten honors and a spot on the Big Ten All-Freshman team, has certainly made his mark in college basketball. His future for the 2026-27 season remains uncertain, but the buzz around him is palpable.
Hailing from Germany, Steinbach is generating significant NBA Draft interest. Even if he considers another year in college, the lure of potential NIL deals might tempt him to explore opportunities at other programs.
In a move that hints at his professional aspirations, Steinbach has signed with Excel Management, a powerhouse agency representing top-tier basketball talent like Nikola Jokic and Caitlin Clark. This step could be pivotal as he navigates his next career move.
Steinbach's stats speak volumes: he averaged 18.5 points per game on an impressive 57.7% shooting, along with 11.8 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 1.2 blocks, and 1.1 steals per game. His 21 double-doubles set a new Big Ten freshman record, underscoring his impact on the court.
Projected draft positions for Steinbach range from the edge of the lottery to the mid-20s in the first round. ESPN's Jeremy Woo recently pegged him as a potential 15th overall pick for the Oklahoma City Thunder.
The Huskies, under the guidance of their head coach, overhauled their roster last offseason, retaining only two players from the previous year. Whether another major rebuild is in the cards remains to be seen, but losing Steinbach would undoubtedly be a significant blow to the program.
Steinbach has until the early entry deadline on May 27 to declare for the NBA draft, with the option to withdraw by mid-June. As the clock ticks, the basketball world will be watching his next move with great anticipation.