One of Steinbach’s most "pro-ready" traits is his massive frame and bone density. He carries his weight exceptionally well through his shoulders and torso, suggesting he can easily absorb the 82-game grind of NBA contact. Unlike many "lanky" prospects who struggle to finish through the "bumps" of veteran defenders, Steinbach’s frame acts as a shield. He is built to initiate contact rather than shy away from it, which is a vital indicator of long-term durability in a high-usage role.

Steinbach possesses an elite "lower-half anchor." When he is established in the post, he is virtually impossible to move, even by older, more seasoned collegiate bigs. This functional strength allows him to hold his ground in post-up scenarios and, more importantly, provides the stability needed to set "brick wall" screens. His ability to maintain a low center of gravity against 7-footers ensures that he can dictate the physical terms of the game on both ends of the floor.

This is the primary area where Steinbach falls into the Project tier. He is not a "pop and lift" athlete who can explode for highlight-reel lobs from a standstill. He requires a significant "gather" to reach his maximum height, which can lead to blocked shots against quicker NBA rim protectors. While his lack of "instant air" off one foot limits his utility as a transition lob threat, he compensates for this lack of twitch with timing and positioning.

While his initial vertical is average, Steinbach’s "Pogo Factor" is arguably the best in the 2026 class. His ability to jump, land, and immediately return to the rim before his opponent has even hit the ground is the engine behind his elite offensive rebounding. This rapid-fire lift makes him a nightmare in "scramble" situations, as he can keep a ball alive through multiple tip-attempts until he eventually secures the put-back.

Steinbach’s hip fluidity is his most significant physical liability. He struggles to "open his hips" to stay in front of shifty perimeter drivers, and NBA coaches will likely hunt him in pick-and-roll switches. When forced to "flip" his stance to cut off a baseline drive, he often appears heavy-footed. To survive in the league, he will need to rely on elite positioning and "drop" schemes to mitigate this lack of perimeter containment speed.

Despite his lateral limitations, Steinbach is surprisingly fast in a straight line. His end-to-end burst as a rim-runner is a legitimate offensive weapon. He frequently beats his primary defender down the floor after a change of possession, creating 5-on-4 advantages that are difficult for defenses to scout for. This "sprint-to-rim" mentality puts immense pressure on opposing transition defenses and leads to high-value early-clock buckets.

Steinbach’s secret to interior scoring lies in his deceleration and core control. Even when fouled mid-air, he has the strength to keep his torso aligned and finish the play. He possesses the rare ability for a big man to go from 100% speed to a controlled stop in the paint, allowing for "Stop-and-Pop" floaters and hooks. This body control ensures that he remains an efficient finisher even when the defense collapses on him.

The "Performance Floor" for Steinbach is very high because of his conditioning. Even in the final minutes of a high-intensity game, his shooting elbow doesn't drop, and his defensive stance remains disciplined. He doesn't show the typical signs of fatigue—like "watching the ball" instead of boxing out—that plague many young bigs. His motor remains revved for all 40 minutes, which suggests he can handle a 30+ minute workload at the NBA level.

Steinbach’s free throw performance is the most significant "Pure Touch" proxy for his NBA projection. Currently shooting approximately 75-78% from the line, he demonstrates a consistent, repeatable routine and a soft release that suggests his shooting ceiling is much higher than his current three-point percentages. This level of accuracy for a 6'11" freshman indicates that he won't be a liability in late-game situations where opponents might look to "hack" poor-shooting bigs, and it provides a strong foundation for future pick-and-pop utility.

The mid-range is currently a "Playoff Tool" in development for Steinbach. He shows comfort in the short-corner and the high post, often utilizing a high release point that is difficult to contest. While he isn't yet a volume mid-range shooter, his touch on "floaties" and 10-foot turnaround hooks is advanced. In the NBA, where the rim is often "iced" or protected by elite vertical threats, his ability to hit a 15-foot pull-up or a soft push-shot will be essential for keeping defenses honest.

As of today, Steinbach is a "Specialist" from deep, primarily operating as a spacing threat from the corners or the top of the key. He possesses a fluid, one-motion mechanic that looks "shot-ready" even before the ball arrives. While his volume is relatively low (averaging roughly 0.6 to 2.0 attempts per game), his efficiency has shown flashes of brilliance, including games where he has hit multiple triples. His primary goal at the next level will be to increase this volume to create legitimate "Spacing Gravity."

This category remains a "Project" for Steinbach. Unlike some "Unicorn" bigs, he does not currently possess a reliable step-back or pull-up game from beyond the arc. When he shoots from deep, it is almost exclusively off a set catch. In the NBA, forcing a defense to "show" on a screen because of a pull-up threat is a massive advantage, but Steinbach is currently more focused on his interior dominance and set-shooting rather than self-creation from the perimeter.

Steinbach’s arc and power generation suggest he will have no trouble adapting to the deeper NBA three-point line. His "one-motion" mechanics are efficient, avoiding the "push" shot that many bigs use when they lack the natural strength to reach the basket from 25 feet. Scouts are optimistic that as his lower-body strength continues to mature, his range will naturally extend, allowing him to serve as a reliable pick-and-pop partner in a pro-style offense.

Steinbach excels at "Rim Pressure," possessing the rare ability to dunk through a defender's chest. This high-level power correlates with his excellent Free Throw Rate (FTr), as he consistently forces defenders into "foul or give up a dunk" scenarios. His strong hands allow him to catch and finish in one motion, making him a primary target for lobs and dump-off passes in the dunker spot.

While his power is impressive, his finesse and touch are what make him an elite prospect. He utilizes wrong-foot layups, soft floaters, and creative "English" off the glass to finish around rim protectors he cannot out-jump. This "soft touch" is remarkably consistent; he is currently shooting over 60% from the floor, largely due to his ability to find angles and use the backboard to his advantage in a crowded paint.

Steinbach is remarkably ambidextrous for a young big man. While he favors his right hand for power finishes, he is comfortable driving left and finishing with a soft left-handed hook or layup. This prevents NBA scouts from simply "forcing him left" to neutralize his scoring. His ability to catch and immediately finish with either hand in the post makes him a much more difficult cover in one-on-one situations.

For a 6'11" player, Steinbach’s ball security is a significant asset. He can keep his dribble alive against "hounding" point-of-attack defenders without turning his back to the basket or panicking. This allows him to grab a defensive rebound and initiate a "one-man fast break" or navigate a crowded high post without being easily stripped. His composure under pressure ensures that he remains a "low-turnover" hub for the offense.

This is an emerging skill for Steinbach. While he isn't yet throwing one-handed "bullet whips" across the court like Nikola Jokić, he has shown the ability to pass without picking up his dribble. This is a hallmark of elite NBA playmakers, as it keeps the defense in a constant state of flux. If he can continue to develop this "live-arm" passing, his value as a short-roll creator will skyrocket.

Steinbach is a master of "Manipulation" in the pick-and-roll. He knows how to set a screen and then put the defender "on his back" (the prison dribble) to see how the help reacts. This patience allows him to wait for the optimal window to either roll to the rim for a finish or kick the ball out to an open shooter. His understanding of timing in these actions is far beyond his years.

Often referred to as having "The Second Read," Steinbach has a knack for passing to where a shooter will be, rather than where they currently are. He identifies the low-man helper before they even begin their rotation, allowing him to fire passes to the corner before the defense can recover. This high-level offensive IQ makes him an ideal "Connector" who keeps the ball moving and finds the most efficient shot for the team.

Steinbach throws "Bullet Passes" with enough heat that defenders often cannot recover in time to contest the ensuing shot. He consistently hits teammates in their "shooting pocket," maximizing their chance of a successful catch-and-shoot. While he occasionally over-threads the needle, leading to turnovers, his willingness to fire aggressive passes into tight windows is a trait NBA coaches value in a modern big.

Steinbach’s "Off-Ball Gravity" is elite. He sets physical, legal screens that actually hit the defender, creating massive gaps for his guards. Furthermore, he is an expert at cutting into "ghost" spaces when the defense is preoccupied with the ball. His timing on "rim-runs" and back-door cuts ensures that he is always a threat, even when he doesn't have the ball in his hands.

Steinbach is an exceptional decision-maker at 100mph. He has the "rim-runner" mentality, sprinting the floor to provide a lob threat or a trailing option for a three. His ability to identify the trailer or the open man in the first 4 seconds of the clock helps his team capitalize on the chaos of a change of possession, often resulting in high-value dunks or open perimeter shots.

This is Steinbach’s "Generational" trait. He is a "Worm" on the glass, using elite positioning and his "Pogo Factor" to generate high-value second-chance points. He doesn't just wait for the rebound; he attacks the ball with force, often securing the board and finishing in one fluid motion. His ability to create extra possessions is a cornerstone of his "winning impact" and will translate immediately to the NBA.

Steinbach’s ability to "sit in a stance" against NBA-caliber ball-handlers is currently a significant area of concern. Due to his limited lateral agility, he often struggles to keep the ball out of the paint when switched onto quicker guards. He tends to play with a "cushion" to avoid being blown by, but this often concedes open pull-up jumpers. At the next level, he will likely be targeted in isolation unless he can improve his foot speed and balance while defending the perimeter.

On an island against scoring wings, Steinbach relies heavily on his 7'1" wingspan to contest shots rather than his feet to cut off angles. While he is disciplined and rarely bites on pump fakes, he lacks the recovery speed to "close the gap" once a defender gets a step on him. He is most effective when he can use his length to "funnel" drivers into his help-side teammates, but he is not currently a player you want switched onto an elite perimeter threat in late-clock situations.

This is Steinbach’s defensive stronghold. He uses his massive chest and lower-half anchor to prevent opposing bigs from "backing him down" into the restricted area. He understands the leverage of post defense, consistently getting his work done early to push catch points further away from the basket. His functional strength ensures that he isn't easily displaced by "bumps," making him a reliable one-on-one defender against traditional interior scorers.

Getting "skinny" is a challenge for a player with Steinbach's sturdy, 248-lb frame. He often struggles to fight over screens to stay attached to shooters, making him a candidate for "Drop" coverage rather than "Switch" or "Hedge" schemes. When he is caught in no-man's-land between the ball and the roller, his recovery speed is often insufficient to prevent a clean look, meaning his NBA team will need to be very specific about the defensive system they build around him.

Steinbach is a "Verticality" specialist rather than a high-volume shot-blocker. He is excellent at "altering" the trajectory of a shot without necessarily swatting it into the third row, which keeps him on the floor and avoids unnecessary fouls. While he may not lead the league in blocks, his positioning and ability to "wall up" make the paint a high-friction environment for drivers. His 9'1" standing reach allows him to occupy the space above the rim effectively.

Finishing the stop is one of Steinbach’s most consistent skills. He follows the fundamental rule of "contact first," seeking out his opponent to box out rather than simply watching the ball. His strong hands and high motor ensure that once he gets a finger on the ball, the possession is over. In the NBA, where long rebounds and athletic "crashers" are common, his disciplined approach to the glass will be an immediate asset.

While not an elite "thief," Steinbach uses his length and high Defensive IQ to deflect passes, particularly in the short roll or when tagging the roller. His Steal % is respectable for a player of his size, indicating that he is reading the ball-handler’s eyes and anticipating the next move. He isn't a player who will consistently gamble for steals, but he is savvy enough to capitalize on lazy entry passes or poorly timed lobs.

Steinbach’s "Sprint-to-Stall" technique is a work in progress. He often closes out with too much momentum, making him vulnerable to a simple pump-fake and drive. However, when he is under control, his length allows him to contest 3-point shooters without needing to be right in their jersey. Improving his deceleration on these closeouts will be vital for his survival as a "power big" in a league that prioritizes floor spacing.

Recognition is Steinbach’s elite defensive trait. He is almost always the "low-man" when he needs to be, identifying lob threats and tagging rollers with precise timing. He acts as the "middle linebacker" of the defense, constantly calling out "Screen Left" or "Switch" before the action even develops. This level of communication and real-time awareness allows him to elevate the defensive floor of any lineup he anchors.

Communication and effort define Steinbach’s transition defense. He is rarely the last man back, as he prioritizes sprinting to the paint the moment a shot goes up or a turnover occurs. He is excellent at identifying assignments in the chaos of a change of possession, often directing teammates to open shooters while he protects the basket. His "rim-runner" mentality works on both ends, ensuring his team isn't caught off balance by fast breaks.

Steinbach operates strictly by the "0.5-second rule." He possesses an advanced internal clock that allows him to decide whether to shoot, pass, or drive the moment the ball hits his hands. This high-level processing is particularly evident in the short roll, where he consistently identifies the correct read before the defense can recover. His background in German professional basketball has clearly honed his ability to process complex NBA-style defensive coverages in real-time.

Steinbach acts as the "Middle Linebacker" of the Washington defense. His Defensive Awareness manifests through constant vocal communication, calling out screens and switching assignments before the action fully develops. While his feet are sometimes slow, his mind is ahead of the play, allowing him to compensate for physical limitations with elite positioning. He understands the "geometry of the floor," ensuring he is rarely caught out of position during rotations.

One of Steinbach’s most disciplined traits is his efficiency. He maintains an Effective Field Goal percentage (eFG%) over 55% because he understands the difference between a "good shot for me" and a "good shot for the team." He rarely forces contested looks, opting instead to keep the ball moving if a clear advantage isn't present. This maturity in decision-making is rare for a freshman and suggests he will be a highly efficient low-usage or high-usage player at the next level.

Steinbach’s engagement is relentless; he simply does not have an "off" switch. Whether it is diving for a loose ball or sprinting the full length of the court for a chase-down block, his effort is a tangible skill that shifts the momentum of games. His Motor is most visible on the offensive glass, where he attacks every miss as if it were a game-winning opportunity, often outworking three or four defenders simultaneously to secure a possession.

Steinbach embraces the "grind" of the game with a physical disposition that intimidates opponents. He initiates contact on both ends, using his sturdy frame to carve out space and "wear down" opposing bigs over 40 minutes. This Toughness is not just about strength; it is about a mental refusal to be displaced. He relishes the physical battle in the paint, making him a primary target for teams looking for a "culture-setting" interior presence.

Steinbach exhibits exceptional Cortisol Control in high-pressure environments. His performance in the 2025 FIBA U19 World Cup and his ability to lead Washington back from an 18-point deficit against USC in late 2025 prove his mettle. He demands the ball in the final three minutes, not necessarily to score, but to make the winning play—whether that’s a crucial offensive rebound, a physical screen, or a composed pass to an open shooter.

Despite being a freshman, Steinbach has emerged as a vocal leader for the Huskies. His Body Language remains professional and focused, even after a bad call or a teammate's turnover. He is often the first player to rally the team during a timeout, and his "lead-by-example" work ethic has set a high standard for the program. His influence extends beyond the box score, providing a stabilizing presence for the entire roster.

Steinbach is the ultimate "Plug-and-Play" prospect because of his high scalability. He is perfectly comfortable being a "star in his role"—dominating the boards and setting screens—if he isn't the primary scoring option. His ability to impact winning without needing 20 shots a game makes him an ideal fit for both rebuilding teams needing a foundation and contending teams looking for the final piece of their rotation puzzle.

Scouts frequently cite Steinbach’s Correction Speed as a key reason for his rapid ascent. He has shown an immediate ability to fix technical mistakes pointed out by coaches, particularly in his defensive footwork and shooting mechanics. His pro pedigree and high basketball IQ mean he "speaks the language" of coaching staff, facilitating a seamless transition into complex NBA systems and game plans.

Born in May 2006, Steinbach will be just 19 years old on draft night in 2026. Given his current production as a double-double machine in the Big Ten, his "Runway" is immense. An 18/19-year-old with this level of fundamental polish and physical strength is a "Multiplier for Potential." His floor is already that of a winning rotation big, but his trajectory suggests a high-end starter as his perimeter skills continue to mature.