Imagine stepping into a world where basketball isn’t just a sport—it’s a way of life. That’s exactly what four-star center Sam Funches experienced during his official visit to Gonzaga, and it’s left him seriously considering making Spokane his next home. But here’s where it gets controversial: can a Mississippi native truly thrive in the Pacific Northwest, both on and off the court?
Funches spent roughly 72 hours in the region, soaking in the culture, the weather, and the undeniable energy of Gonzaga’s basketball program. His visit coincided with a perfect fall weekend, with temperatures in the mid-60s to low-70s—a refreshing change from the sweltering, humid climate he’s used to just north of Jackson, Mississippi. ‘It’s a beautiful area,’ Funches shared during a phone interview. ‘The sun here is just happy to be there, while back home, it feels like it’s punishing us for our sins.’ He laughed, adding, ‘It’s like 100 degrees every day, with humidity that makes you feel like you’re swimming in the air.’
One of the most striking moments for Funches came during his tour of Gonzaga’s basketball facilities. And this is the part most people miss: it wasn’t the gleaming trophies on display that caught his eye, but the ones casually scattered across Mark Few’s office floor. ‘It’s like they’re just part of the furniture,’ he said. ‘Then you step outside his office and see all the banners, the Sweet 16s, the Final Fours—it’s crazy. You know you’re walking into a winning tradition.’
Gonzaga’s commitment to its big men was another major draw for Funches, who’s considered a top-10 center in the 2026 recruiting class. During conversations with assistants R-Jay Barsh and Brian Michaelson, he learned how the Zags have consistently developed some of the nation’s best post players—even in an era where guard- and wing-oriented offenses dominate college and NBA basketball. ‘Their system lets the big man play freely,’ Funches noted. ‘That’s rare these days.’
The Gonzaga community didn’t hold back in showing their enthusiasm for Funches, either. The student section chanted ‘We want Funches!’ twice during his visit, a gesture he described as ‘making me feel wanted.’ He added, ‘I love their culture of basketball. It’s like football is to us in Mississippi—it’s everything.’
But here’s the question that’s sure to spark debate: Can Gonzaga’s success and culture outweigh the pull of staying closer to home for a player like Funches? He’s already visited Ole Miss, Mississippi State, Vanderbilt, California, and Kansas, with a final trip to LSU on the horizon. Yet, Gonzaga seems to have made a strong impression, thanks in part to his long-standing relationship with Barsh, who first noticed Funches’ potential at a Team USA U-16 minicamp over three years ago.
Funches, a skilled lefty with a 7-foot-5 wingspan, has drawn comparisons to NBA stars like Evan Mobley and Chris Bosh. During his visit, Gonzaga coaches compiled his stats from the Puma AAU circuit, where he shot 39.3% from three-point range over the summer. ‘I was right there,’ he said, aiming to clear 40% during his senior year at Germantown High School.
Off the court, Funches bonded with current Gonzaga players like Graham Ike, Braden Huff, and Jalen Warley during a bowling outing. While he finished third with a score of 110, he couldn’t match the graduate assistant’s 143 or Steele Venters’ impressive ‘160-something’—rolled just hours after winning the 3-point contest at Kraziness in the Kennel.
As Funches evaluates his options, he’s clear about his priorities: development and a path to the NBA. ‘Location’s not going to matter for me,’ he said. ‘If I make it to the league, I’ll be all over the place anyway.’ With a decision expected in the next three weeks, the question remains: Will Gonzaga’s culture, tradition, and system be enough to lure him away from the South?
What do you think? Is Gonzaga the right fit for Funches, or should he stay closer to home? Let us know in the comments!
