The path to the NBA is rarely a solo journey. For Hannes Steinbach, a 19-year-old German basketball prospect currently making waves at the University of Washington, that support system includes a legend who’s been there before: Detlef Schrempf. The former NBA All-Star, a pioneer for European players in the league, is offering guidance and mentorship as Steinbach navigates his college career and prepares for a potential future in the professional ranks.
Schrempf, who paved the way for stars like Dirk Nowitzki, Dennis Schröder, and Franz Wagner, now finds himself following the progress of a promising talent in his own neighborhood. Steinbach, a 2.11-meter (6’11”) power forward from Würzburg, Germany, has quickly impressed at Washington, posting averages of 17.8 points and 10.9 rebounds per game – numbers that even surpass Schrempf’s own collegiate best of 16.8 points and 7.4 rebounds during his time at the University of Washington in 1983/84. This burgeoning talent in the Pacific Northwest is drawing attention as a potential first-round pick in the upcoming NBA Draft.
“I go to the games, I’m always at practice sometimes,” Schrempf told German publication Bild, as reported on February 26, 2026. “He has my number, we’re texting. I’m always there for him. But I can’t force myself on him. He has his father (former Bundesliga player Burkhard), who played basketball. Another friend is Dirk Nowitzki. He has enough mentors.” The presence of established figures like Nowitzki underscores the growing network of support surrounding Steinbach as he develops his game.
Schrempf’s willingness to offer guidance speaks to a broader trend: the increasing globalization of the NBA. As Schrempf noted, nearly a third of the league’s players – 135 out of 450 – are not from the United States. “The NBA is a global league,” he said. “Europeans have had a big influence. They’ve changed the culture of the teams. It started with San Antonio. They play much more as a team. We’re seeing that now in Orlando, because the German players are bringing their team play there.”
Washingtons Hannes Steinbach (Nummer 6) goes up for a layup.
Schrempf highlighted Steinbach’s physical attributes – his size, length, and athleticism – as key strengths. But he likewise emphasized the young player’s basketball IQ. “He understands the game,” Schrempf said. “He knows where the ball needs to go. He also has the fundamentals: he can dribble, shoot, and play in the post with his back to the basket – and he’s a very good rebounder. And he’s only going to get better.”
The increasing presence of European players in the NBA is a relatively recent phenomenon. Schrempf recalled a time when an NBA game in Europe would have been unthinkable. He remembered a 1996 preseason game with the Seattle SuperSonics against the Indiana Pacers in Berlin’s now-demolished Deutschlandhalle, recalling a comical attempt to improve the slippery floor with Coca-Cola. Now, the NBA is planning a European expansion by 2027, a testament to the league’s growing international reach.
Seattle’s Long Wait
The potential for NBA expansion, however, has also set a hold on the possibility of bringing a team back to Seattle. The SuperSonics relocated to Oklahoma City in 2008, leaving a void in the city’s sports landscape. “We’ve been waiting for 18 years now,” Schrempf said. “I don’t think much has changed. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver’s announcements are the same every year, just in different words. With the focus on NBA Europe, the expansion of the NBA has taken a backseat. I don’t think Seattle will get a team in the next two or three years. We’re still hoping.”
For now, Schrempf’s focus remains on supporting the next generation of German basketball talent, starting with Hannes Steinbach. His mentorship offers a valuable link to the past, while Steinbach’s potential represents a bright future for the sport in Germany and beyond. The upcoming NBA Draft will be a key moment for Steinbach, and Schrempf’s guidance could prove invaluable as he prepares to take the next step in his career.
The NBA Draft combine and individual team workouts will be crucial opportunities for Steinbach to showcase his skills and impress scouts. Further updates on Steinbach’s progress and draft prospects will be available through the official NBA Draft website.
What do you think about the growing international influence in the NBA? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and be sure to share this article with fellow basketball fans.
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