Gonzaga Target Sam Funches Narrows Recruitment to Final Four Schools
Top-ranked center Sam Funches has trimmed his list of college options to four programs as he continues his recruitment journey.
A four-star prospect in the 2026 class, Funches recently visited Gonzaga for their annual “Kraziness in the Kennel” event and has now named his final four schools: Gonzaga, Ole Miss, Mississippi State, and LSU.
“These last four schools are all strong contenders,” Funches said in a Monday phone interview with Gonzaga Bulldogs On SI. “Each one brings something different to the table with its own strengths and weaknesses.”
Back in July, Funches released a list of his top 10 schools. He now plans to decide between the final four shortly after his last official visit to LSU on October 10. He expects to take “a week or two” after the visit to make his decision.
His recent trip to Gonzaga left a strong impression. The 7-footer experienced the intense game-day environment at the Kennel during the Zags’ preseason scrimmage.
“That’s the best fan base I’ve ever been around,” Funches said of Gonzaga’s home crowd. “Honestly, I’m speechless.”
Funches was a fan favorite during the scrimmage, especially when Gonzaga students began chanting, “We want Funches.”
“I don’t usually like being the center of attention, but that moment felt different,” he said. “It showed how passionate they are about their basketball.”
In addition to Gonzaga, he’s taken official visits to all of his final four schools, along with trips to Vanderbilt, Cal, and Kansas. His original top 10 also included Jackson State, Kansas State, and Penn State.
Funches emphasized the importance of building lasting relationships and leaving behind a legacy. “For a lot of us players, legacy and strong bonds with coaches really matter,” he said.
Beyond off-court relationships, he’s also thinking about his development on the court. Gonzaga’s proven success in molding frontcourt players into professionals stands out as a key factor in their recruitment pitch.
Currently entering his senior year at Germantown High School in Mississippi, Funches is ranked by 247Sports as the No. 10 center and No. 84 overall player in the 2026 class. He also holds the title of the top-rated prospect in Mississippi.
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