Former Washington Basketball Standout Earns Spot in NBA Draft Green Room

Hannes Steinbach, a former star forward for the Washington Huskies, has received the honor of being invited to the green room for the upcoming NBA Draft. This event marks a significant moment, as it will be the first time since Markelle Fultz was selected first overall in 2017 that an ex-Husky will participate in this prestigious setting. The draft is set to take place on June 23 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.

Standing at 6-foot-11 and hailing from Würzburg, Germany, Steinbach made a notable impact during his single season under Huskies coach Danny Sprinkle. He led the team with impressive averages of 18.5 points and 11.8 rebounds per game, securing his place as a potential late lottery pick. While he may not be called as early as Fultz, there is considerable interest in his abilities ahead of draft night.

During his tenure in Washington, Steinbach set a new benchmark for freshman records, achieving 22 double-doubles, surpassing the previous record held by Jon Brockman. This achievement is particularly remarkable as he outperformed Isaiah Stewart, who was drafted 16th overall by the Detroit Pistons in 2020. Additionally, Steinbach contributed significantly with 47 assists, showcasing his skills beyond scoring.

In a recent interview at the NBA draft combine, Steinbach identified his shot-creating ability as an underrated aspect of his game. "I think my passing is underrated," he remarked, expressing confidence in his potential to create scoring opportunities both inside and outside the paint. His versatility may catch the attention of NBA executives looking to draft the next standout player from the University of Washington.