Gonzaga Secures Commitment from 4-Star Center Sam Funches
The Bulldogs land their second pledge for the 2026 recruiting class.
Gonzaga has added another promising piece to its future roster, earning a commitment from 4-star center Sam Funches. The 7-foot prospect from Mississippi made his decision public on Friday, as first reported by national basketball insider Joe Tipton.
Ranked No. 84 overall and the No. 10 center in the 2026 class by 247Sports, Funches chose Gonzaga over a list of finalists that included Vanderbilt, LSU, Ole Miss, and Mississippi State. His commitment makes him the second player in Gonzaga’s 2026 class, following German guard Jack Kayil, who announced his commitment on October 1.
Funches made his official visit during Kraziness in the Kennel, an annual Gonzaga scrimmage that has become a key recruiting event for head coach Mark Few and his staff. Like several past standouts — including Chet Holmgren, Jalen Suggs, Braden Huff, and Julian Strawther — Funches was impressed by the atmosphere and vision laid out by the program.
Before his visit, Funches spoke with Gonzaga Bulldogs on SI, noting his frequent communication with assistant coaches Brian Michaelson and Rjay Barsh. He described Gonzaga’s system as a “perfect fit” for his skill set.
“They say we’re like a puzzle — I’m the piece that fits right in,” Funches explained. “My play style really mirrors what they do.”
With a massive 7’5″ wingspan and impressive agility, Funches is known for his shot-blocking ability and defensive upside — qualities Gonzaga has lacked in the frontcourt since Chet Holmgren’s departure in 2022. Offensively, he has good touch around the basket, strong footwork, and a knack for pulling down offensive rebounds. He’s also working on expanding his shooting range, which could make him a dynamic piece in Gonzaga’s system after a season of development.
When Funches arrives for the 2026–27 season, Gonzaga’s frontcourt will look different. Graham Ike will have graduated, Braden Huff will be a senior, and Ismaila Diagne (junior) and Parker Jefferson (sophomore) will still be around. That setup gives Funches time to learn and grow before potentially taking on a major role by the 2027–28 campaign.
Gonzaga’s 2026 recruiting class is shaping up quickly, with more prospects set to visit. Shooting guard Luca Foster is scheduled for an October 18 visit, and small forward Cameron Holmes will be in Spokane on November 8 when the Bulldogs face Oklahoma at the Spokane Arena.
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