Pros:

• elite rebounder + use of physicality on box outs

• takes contact well; uses physicality well on post ups

• solid touch on layups and has an array of close shots

• good connective passer; elite skip passing ability/vision out the post

• aggressive on the fast break

• screening looks solid for a college player; projects well

Cons:

• poor center of gravity; loses balance on the drive

• drop defender with slow feet; gets exposed on perimeter switches

• bad free throw shooter

• very little jumpshot threat

C: very good starter

F: end of rotation

A big forward with good athleticism and movement skills. Impacts both ends, is a high level rebounder and a high energy player. Might not be a star but is a rock solid prospect with some great skills that will translate well.

NBA Comp: I-Hart, Daniel Theis

Hannes Steinbach, 6'11, 225, C, Washington, Fr.

• Comp: Domantas Sabonis / Arvydas Sabonis / Pau Gasol

• Ceiling: ALL-NBA

• Floor: Bench

• Very strong/physical big

• Great footwork

• Maybe the best rebounder in the class

• Good screener

• Good hands

• Runs the floor

• Restricted arc scorer

• Struggles with his jump shot

• Good FT%

• Can't defend the perimeter right now

• Tends to get caught off balance on defense

• Expectation: Borderline ALL-STAR; He'll be a defensive anchor and solid interior scorer and lob-threat, but he restrictions offensively and defensively outside of the paint will limit his ceiling

Year: Freshman

2025–26 Season Stats: 10 G, 18.1 ppg, 12.0 rpg, 2.1 apg, 59% FG, 46% 3P

Steinbach is a big-framed forward with incredible post skills and elite rebounding talent. Hannes is more of an old-fashioned big man with his post play, but he can also knock it down super efficiently from beyond the arc. He has elite touch in the paint and is very good at maneuvering around defenders with his feel and overpowering smaller defenders with his power. Steinbach has also shown the ability to knock down threes consistently this season as well, shooting 46% from three on low volume. He is an incredibly talented offensive and defensive rebounder and is very physical on both boards, one of the best rebounders in the class. He is a good team passer who has shown some flashes of really impressive passing out of the post and from the top of the key. He is a very good pick-and-roll partner as well, super aware. However, Hannes does have some weaknesses moving his feet and staying with guards on the defensive end, as well as not being an elite rim protector either. He needs to get better at defending drivers and being able to use his length to protect the rim more efficiently.

Early Player Comp: Domantas Sabonis

Best Team Fits: Hawks, Clippers

Mobile modern big-man STRENGTHS

• High-level court smarts and instincts

• Moves extremely well downhill and in transition

• Automatic near the rim

• Shows promise as a floor spacer & playmaker

• Very solid rebounder, especially on the offensive glass

• Reactive as a defender - anticipates and disrupts offensive flow well

WEAKNESSES

• Needs more development scoring outside of the paint

• Can be a little slow-footed lateraly on defense

• Struggles to hold down quicker players on the perimeter

• Good but not great rim protector

PLAYS LIKE: Isaiah Hartenstein

RANGE: Late Lottery

Jumpshot: C+ Finishing: B+ Playmaking: B- Defense: A Athleticism: C Rebounding: A+

Floor: Starter/ Good Bench

Ceiling: All Defense

Pro Comp: Worst: Hartenstein, Expectation: Arvydas Sabonis, Best: Tim Duncan

Very Fundamental, Post Defense, Bad on switches, Solid 3, Best Rebounder in Big 10, Huskies are bad right now and rely on him, Plays 4 with traditional 5, Needs Stretch Big or playing the 5

Best fits: Dallas, GS, OKC, Hawks, Nuggets Worst fits: Washington, Grizzlies, 76ers, Bucks

Draft Range: Lottery

Projected NBA rookie role:

Projected NBA position: Big

Projected Rookie Statline (Pts, Reb, Ast, Blk/Stl):

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Weakness:

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