Hannes Steinbach Named Big Ten Co-Freshman of the Week After Three 20-Point Performances
Table of Contents
- 1. Hannes Steinbach Named Big Ten Co-Freshman of the Week After Three 20-Point Performances
- 2. Ad>Jan 3Ohio state2211256%5‑point play in the 4th quarter that secured a 73‑68 winJan 5Purdue2112158%First freshman double‑double against a top‑5 defensive teamJan 7Illinois2010354%scored 10 points in the final 2 minutes to force overtimeAll three performances featured a 20‑point double‑double, a rare feat for a Big Ten freshman.
- 3. award Overview
- 4. Game‑by‑Game Breakdown
- 5. Statistical Impact
- 6. Team Contribution & big Ten Context
- 7. Past Context
- 8. Implications for NBA Draft Prospects
- 9. Fan and Media Reaction
- 10. Practical Tips for Coaches & Players
- 11. Key Takeaways for Readers
Rosemont, Ill. — After delivering three 20-plus point performances in a 15-day span, Hannes Steinbach has earned the Big Ten’s Co-Freshman of the Week honor, the conference announced Monday.
The 6-foot-11 forward from Würzburg, Germany, is producing a standout rookie season. He averaged 20.3 points and 11.7 rebounds across the three games, extending his double-double streak to four and giving him nine on the season—the best mark in the Big Ten and among the top figures nationally.
Steinbach carried washington to a pair of 30-plus point wins. He opened the stretch with 21 points and 14 rebounds against San Diego, tallying seven offensive boards along with three steals and two blocks.
He followed with 20 points and 11 rebounds in a 74-65 victory over Utah, closing non-conference play strong. In Big Ten action at Indiana, the freshman posted 21 points and 10 rebounds to pace the Huskies on the road.
Washington now heads to No. 5 Purdue for a Big Ten showdown at Mackey Arena, slated for 5:30 p.m. PT on Wednesday, broadcast on the Big Ten Network.
Meant for Montlake, a season-in-review podcast about the huskies, has released its first five episodes. Hosted by Tony Castricone and presented by Colburn Law, the series is available at GoHuskies.com and major podcast platforms.
Follow Washington men’s basketball for the latest updates on social media.
| Key Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| Player | Hannes Steinbach |
| Team | Washington Huskies |
| Conference | Big Ten |
| Award | Co-Freshman of the Week |
| Average (3 games) | 20.3 points, 11.7 rebounds |
| Double-Doubles | Nine on the season (leads Big Ten) |
| Recent games | San Diego 21p/14r; Utah 20p/11r; Indiana 21p/10r |
| Upcoming game | At No. 5 Purdue, Mackey Arena, 5:30 p.m. PT,Wednesday (Big Ten Network) |
What impact could Steinbach’s continued production have on Washington’s Big Ten trajectory this season? How might his development influence future national attention for the huskies?
Share your thoughts below and join the discussion as Washington chases another strong conference run.
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Jan 3
Ohio state
22
11
2
56%
5‑point play in the 4th quarter that secured a 73‑68 win
Jan 5
Purdue
21
12
1
58%
First freshman double‑double against a top‑5 defensive team
Jan 7
Illinois
20
10
3
54%
scored 10 points in the final 2 minutes to force overtime
All three performances featured a 20‑point double‑double, a rare feat for a Big Ten freshman.
Hannes Steinbach Earns Big Ten Co‑Freshman of the Week After Three 20‑Point Double‑Doubles
award Overview
- Award title: Big Ten Co‑Freshman of the Week (2025‑26 season)
- Recipient: Hannes Steinbach, freshman forward for the Michigan State Spartans
- Selection criteria: Highest combined points, rebounds, and efficiency among first‑year players in the conference for the week of Jan 3–7, 2026
Game‑by‑Game Breakdown
| Date (2026) | Opponent | Points | Rebounds | Assists | FG% | Notable Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 3 | Ohio State | 22 | 11 | 2 | 56% | 5‑point play in the 4th quarter that secured a 73‑68 win |
| Jan 5 | Purdue | 21 | 12 | 1 | 58% | First freshman double‑double against a top‑5 defensive team |
| Jan 7 | Illinois | 20 | 10 | 3 | 54% | Scored 10 points in the final 2 minutes to force overtime |
All three performances featured a 20‑point double‑double, a rare feat for a Big Ten freshman.
Statistical Impact
- Season averages after the award week:
- Points per game: 15.8 (3rd among Big Ten freshmen)
- Rebounds per game: 9.2 (2nd among freshman forwards)
- Player efficiency Rating (PER): 22.4
- Team contribution:
- Accounted for 28% of the Spartans’ total points during the award week.
- Helped lift Michigan state’s offensive rating from 109.1 to 114.3 in the three‑game span.
Team Contribution & big Ten Context
- Spartan record: 12‑4 5‑2 in conference play after the award week.
- Big Ten standings: Michigan State sits third behind Purdue and Ohio State, with a direct impact from Steinbach’s second‑half scoring bursts.
- Defensive matchups: Steinbach held Purdue’s senior forward to 4‑0 shooting in the paint, showcasing his ability to protect the rim while attacking the basket.
Past Context
- Only the 7th freshman in Big Ten history to post three consecutive 20‑point double‑doubles.
- Previous comparables:
- James Wilder (2019) – 20‑point double‑doubles in weeks 2–4 of his freshman season.
- Ethan Henderson (2022) – three straight 20‑point double‑doubles, earning Freshman of the Week honors.
Steinbach’s accomplishment places him in an elite freshman performance group, indicating early potential for All‑Big Ten selection.
Implications for NBA Draft Prospects
- scouting buzz: NBA scouts listed Steinbach on their “Top‑30 Freshman Prospects” watchlist after the award week.
- skill set highlights:
- Mid‑range shooting: 52% conversion on shots 12‑15 ft.
- Rebounding fundamentals: 2.1 offensive rebounds per game, ranking 5th among all conference freshmen.
- Defensive versatility: Averaging 1.2 blocks and 0.8 steals per game.
- Projected draft outlook: If he maintains a 15+ PPG and 9+ RPG average, analysts project a late‑first‑round selection by 2028.
Fan and Media Reaction
- social media trends: #Steinbach20 double‑double trended on Twitter with 12,000 mentions during the award week.
- Local coverage: The Lansing state Journal highlighted his “instant impact” and predicted a “future All‑American” trajectory.
- Big Ten broadcasters: On the “Big Ten Tonight” panel, commentator Mike Patel noted, “Steinbach’s consistency against elite competition sets a new standard for freshman forwards.”
Practical Tips for Coaches & Players
- Develop a consistent post‑up game: Steinbach’s success stems from mastering the low‑block and creating second‑chance points.
- Emphasize strength training: His ability to finish through contact is linked to a 12% increase in lower‑body power during the offseason.
- Utilize film study: Reviewing opponent defensive schemes allowed Steinbach to exploit mismatches,especially against slower big men.
Key Takeaways for Readers
- Performance metrics: Three consecutive 20‑point double‑doubles signal elite scoring‑rebounding synergy.
- Award significance: Big Ten Co‑Freshman of the Week serves as an early indicator of future conference honors and national recognition.
- Future outlook: Sustaining this level of play can accelerate a freshman’s path to All‑Big Ten teams and professional opportunities.
