NBA Comparison: Alperen Sengun / Domantas Sabonis

Strengths: Steinbach is an extremely productive and physically imposing freshman forward who immediately established himself as one of the most dominant interior players in college basketball … Averaged 18.5 points and a nation-leading 11.8 rebounds per game while shooting an efficient 57.7% from the field, showcasing both volume production and strong efficiency … Plays with a rugged, physical style, embracing contact and consistently winning battles in the paint … Elite rebounder on both ends, particularly on the offensive glass (4.2 ORPG), where his motor, strength, and positioning generate second-chance opportunities … Strong frame with long arms (appears to have a 7+ wingspan) allows him to play bigger than his listed position and anchor inside … Bouncy athlete with powerful lower body, capable of finishing emphatically in transition and around the rim … Runs the floor well for a big, often going coast-to-coast after securing rebounds and applying pressure in transition … Shows impressive ball handling for a frontcourt player, a somewhat hidden aspect of his game, as he puts the ball on the deck comfortably for a big and uses it to create offense both in the half court and in space in the open floor … Polished interior scorer with a fundamentally sound post game, utilizing a wide base, strong seals, and a variety of moves including a soft baby hook and turnaround jumper … Displays good touch inside 12–15 feet and flashes the ability to extend his range with a clean shooting motion … Comfortable operating in pick-and-roll and pick-and-pop situations, with reliable hands and finishing ability … Aggressive cutter who capitalizes on openings and plays with constant activity … Shows solid use of both hands around the rim and finishes through contact effectively … Competitive, high-motor player who impacts the game with toughness, energy, and physicality … Brings relentless effort every possession, scoring in double figures in every game and consistently imposing his will … Active defensively for a big, averaging 1.1 steals per game, showing anticipation and a willingness to disrupt passing lanes …

Weaknesses: Perimeter shooting shows promise but remains unproven due to low volume (0.6–1.8 3PT), and consistency from deep will be key to expanding his offensive role at the next level … More of a good than great shooter at this stage, with overall shooting profile still developing despite solid mechanics … Playmaking is limited for a high-usage player, averaging just 1.6 assists to 2.0 turnovers, indicating room for growth in decision-making and passing reads … Passing ability is solid but unspectacular, as he doesn’t consistently create quality looks for others or elevate team offense as a facilitator … Can become turnover-prone when trying to create off the dribble or force offense … Not an elite vertical athlete or rim protector, which may limit his ceiling defensively against NBA size and length … Defensive versatility is still a question, particularly when asked to guard quicker players in space … Relies heavily on strength and effort, and may face adjustment against more athletic and skilled frontcourt players at the next level

Outlook: A highly productive German big man with a proven track record at both the college and international levels, Steinbach projects as a late lottery to mid-first round pick in the 2026 NBA Draft … His combination of rebounding dominance, interior scoring, and physicality gives him a strong foundation to contribute early in his career … If his perimeter shooting and decision-making continue to improve, he has the upside to develop into a starting-caliber frontcourt player who consistently impacts games with his motor, toughness, and inside presence

Notes: Hannes Steinbach measured 6′ 10.25” barefoot, 248.0 lbs, 7′ 2.25” wingspan, 9′ 0.00” standing reach, 30.0 no step vertical, and 35.5 max vertical at the 2026 NBA Draft Combine. … Born May 1, 2006 in Würzburg, Germany … Freshman forward who appeared in and started 30 games, averaging 18.5 PPG, 11.8 RPG, 1.6 APG, 1.2 BPG, and 1.1 SPG while shooting 57.7% from the field, 34.0% from three, and 75.9% from the free throw line … Led the nation in rebounding and recorded 22 double-doubles, including multiple 20-point, 15+ rebound performances … Named Third Team All-Big Ten and All-Freshman Team, while also earning Second Team All-Big Ten honors from the Associated Press … Set freshman records for double-doubles and rebounding production … Posted a 20-point, 24-rebound performance, one of the top rebounding games in program history … Represented Germany at the 2025 FIBA U19 World Cup, earning All-Star Team honors while averaging 17.4 points and 13.0 rebounds … Previously played for Würzburg Baskets in the German Bundesliga, averaging 9.1 points and 6.9 rebounds in 2024–25 competition … One of the most statistically dominant freshmen in recent college basketball history and a rapidly rising international prospect …

Aran Smith 4/15/26