As we have officially hit the one-month mark of the college basketball season, contenders are separating and the race to be the number one pick in the 2026 NBA Draft is taking shape. Will the Dallas Mavericks
find their way into that race? Perhaps so. But even if they can’t get all the way to the top, they can surely find a quality player with their lone first round pick.
Prospect of the week: Hannes Steinbach (F, Washington)
Stats of the week: 26.5 points, 13 rebounds and 3 assists per game
If you’ll allow me to do a quick ’30 for 30’ impression… What if I told you there was a forward from Wurzburg, Germany that is lighting up college basketball. His name is Hannes Steinbach, and he is remarkable. Steinbach had his best stretch yet at Washington this week. In their two-point loss to UCLA, Steinbach had 29 points and ten boards on 92% shooting! In their win on the road against 24th ranked USC, Hannes had 24 points and 16 rebounds.
Steinbach’s best skill is his offensive rebounding, where he is best in class. He’s collected 32 offensive boards in six games, which is remarkable for anyone, but especially for a true freshman. The combination of his length, skill and high effort make him a beast on the glass. The defense needs to get better, as UCLA was relentless in attacking him in the second half, but there is plenty to work with for anyone who is able to select him in the 2026 Draft.
Games of the week
December 9th
Villanova at 2 Michigan – 5:30p CT (FS1)
Clemson vs 10 BYU (at Madison Square Garden) – 5:30p CT (ESPN)
18 Florida vs 5 UConn – 8:00p CT (ESPN)
This Michigan team has been destroying worlds over the last three weeks. Villanova is not bad by any stretch, so another blowout here would be very impressive. Finally, the Jimmy V Classic is being staged at MSG on Tuesday, with two quality matchups. AJ Dybantsa gets his first crack at playing on the world’s most iconic stage against a Clemson team that has taken a step back from last year’s peak. UConn and Florida is a great rematch from last year’s NCAA Tournament. Only problem for Florida is that Walter Clayton Jr. is not walking through that door this time around.
December 11th
Iowa at 4 Iowa State – 7:00p CT (FS1)
The famed CyHawk rivalry returns to Hilton Coliseum this year, and the fourth ranked Cyclones are coming off their best performance of the season in a 23-point win at previously first ranked Purdue. Milan Momcilovic has quite a bit to his game, including some Dirk-esque stuff on the baseline and in the midrange game. I continue to be impressed with Killyan Toure as well. The Clones are contenders if they can keep this level of play up through the year.
December 12th
Texas at 5 UConn – 7:00p CT (FOX)
The Horns have been very hit or miss this season. After a 2-1 showing in Maui, they got their doors blown off by Virginia in Austin. The road doesn’t get any easier in Connecticut, as this Huskies squad has already been tested multiple times this season. The guard matchup here will be fun, as Solo Ball will face off against Jordan Pope and combo guard Dailyn Swain. Keep an eye inside as well, as Texas’ Matas Vokietaitis will be tested against a physical Husky frontcourt.
December 13th
17 Arkansas vs 16 Texas Tech (at American Airlines Center) – 11:00a CT (ESPN2)
Memphis at 11 Louisville – 2:30p CT (ESPN)
23 Nebraska at 13 Illinois – 3:00p CT (Peacock)
19 Kansas at NC State – 4:30p CT (ESPN)
Indiana at Kentucky – 6:30p CT (ESPN)
1 Arizona vs 12 Alabama (in Birmingham) – 8:30p CT (ESPN)
25 UCLA vs 8 Gonzaga (in Seattle) – 10:30p CT (ESPN)
If you find yourself not too busy on a Saturday, might I recommend a trip to the AAC to watch some quality college ball? Arkansas and Texas Tech will be a battle of athletes, as both teams simply try to out-athlete the other. Keep an eye on JT Toppin and Christian Anderson for Tech, and Darius Acuff for the Hogs.
Darryn Peterson is back for Kansas, and the NC State Wolfpack will be a good test for him. The pack can be stingy defensively, led by Tre Holloman and Darrion Williams. Kansas will need everything for this one.
Indiana and Kentucky is the miserable game of the week, as I am not sure there is a single person associated with either team that is happy at the moment.
Finally, our two night caps are just fantastic. Both games should be fast paced with plenty of offense. Arizona and Alabama will feature two elite prospects in Koa Peat and Labaron Philon. Both guys should have favorable matchups here, as well. In Seattle, the Zags will see solid guard play from UCLA, featuring Donovan Dent. It should be quality viewing into the night.
