From the Gonzaga Bulldogs 2026 recruiting class, four-star center Sam Funches will participate in the 2026 USA Basketball U18 National Team training camp in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Training camp begins Thursday, May 21. Once cuts are made, the 12-member team will head off to the 2026 FIBA U18 Men’s AmeriCup in Leon, Mexico, from June 1 through 7.
6-11, 205-pound Funches was a part of the USA Basketball U16 national team training camp back in 2023, but didn’t make the squad.
As a Germantown product in Gluckstadt, Mississippi, he’s ranked as the No. 99 overall recruit in the 2026 class, No. 12 player at his position, and No. 1 from the state of Mississippi, per Rivals.
The leftie Funches has a 7’5 wingspan, bringing a soft touch when finishing around the basket and rim protection to the future Gonzaga frontcourt. The two-way versatility will go a long way in coach Mark Few’s system after being developed by the best in the business when it comes to training big men.
Arden Cravalho is a Gonzaga University graduate from the Bay Area… Follow him on X @a_cravalho
