Get ready for an exciting journey into the world of college basketball recruitment!
A four-star center's visit to Gonzaga reveals a unique basketball culture.
Sam Funches, a highly-rated center from Mississippi, recently spent a memorable weekend in the Pacific Northwest, exploring the possibility of joining the Gonzaga basketball team. With temperatures ranging from the mid-60s to the low 70s, a refreshing change from the humid heat of Jackson, Mississippi, Funches' official visit left a lasting impression.
"It's like a breath of fresh air," Funches shared during a phone interview. "The sun here is a welcome sight compared to the punishing heat back home. It's a beautiful area, and the people are just as warm and inviting."
But it's not just the weather that caught Funches' attention. During his visit, he noticed something peculiar - trophies, lots of them, scattered across the floor. From the court at McCarthey Athletic Center, where the cheer team displayed an impressive collection of NCAA Tournament and WCC trophies, to Coach Mark Few's office, where postseason accolades were proudly displayed, Funches couldn't help but feel a sense of awe and inspiration.
"It's a testament to the program's success," he remarked. "Seeing all those banners and trophies, you know you're joining a winning team. It's a culture of excellence, and that's something special."
By the time Funches settled into his seat for Kraziness in the Kennel, Gonzaga had already made a strong impression. Widely recognized as a top-10 center in his class, Funches had heard about Gonzaga's impressive track record with big men. The Zags have consistently developed top post players, even as many college and NBA teams have shifted their focus to guard- and wing-oriented offenses.
"I saw it firsthand when the teams took the floor," Funches recalled. "It's a style of play that empowers the big man, and that's rare these days."
The GU student section added to the excitement, chanting "We want Funches" on multiple occasions. "It made me feel wanted, and I loved the basketball culture here," Funches said. "It's like our football back home."
With a decision looming, Funches has narrowed his college choices to 10, including Gonzaga, Ole Miss, Mississippi State, Vanderbilt, California, and Kansas. He plans to visit LSU this weekend for his final visit before making a commitment.
"I'm getting close to a decision," Funches shared. "I'll take some time to evaluate my options and make an announcement when everything settles down."
For Gonzaga, there are a few factors working in their favor. Name Image Likeness (NIL) wasn't a significant topic of discussion, and Funches indicated that compensation won't be a key factor in his decision.
"I'm focused on the NBA," he said. "Location isn't a concern for me. If I make it to the league, I'll be traveling everywhere anyway."
Funches' relationship with assistant coach R-Jay Barsh goes back more than three years, when Barsh was still at Florida State. College coaches have compared Funches' skill set and frame to NBA stars like Evan Mobley and Chris Bosh.
During his visit, Funches connected with players like Graham Ike, Braden Huff, and Jalen Warley, who served as his hosts. After the excitement of Kraziness, Funches joined some GU players for a bowling trip, where he showed off his skills, finishing with the third-highest score.
"It was a great time," he said. "I felt right at home."
As Funches weighs his options, the question remains: Will he choose to join the Gonzaga basketball family and continue their legacy of success? Stay tuned, as this talented center's decision could spark some exciting conversations and debates among basketball enthusiasts!
