Rim protection has long been an issue for Mark Few and Gonzaga, but one of the program’s top recruiting targets could be just what the doctor ordered.
Sam Funches, a four-star center in the 2026 class, was recently profiled by 247Sports scouting director Adam Finkelstein, who described the seven-footer with a 7’5 wingspan as a ‘formidable rim protector’.
Funches, who is ranked No. 96 in the 2026 class at 247Sports, was originally supposed to take an official visit to Gonzaga in February of last season, but it was postponed because his team was still competing in the state playoffs. The big man from Mississippi led his high school, Germantown, to the 7A state championship. He contributed 16 points and seven rebounds, on 7-11 shooting, in the title game.
Gonzaga and Funches ultimately rescheduled the visit, which is now set to occur Oct. 3-5 over Kraziness in the Kennel weekend, alongside fellow 4-star recruit Herly Brutus…