NC State Basketball: Kevin Keatts Arrives Early for Huge Recruit
Kevin Keatts and his NC State basketball recruiting team were relatively early to the Sam Funches sweepstakes. They extended an offer to the Germantown High School (Miss.) big man back in late August, months before his sophomore season began.
ALSO READ: NC State Head Coach Enters Another 2026 Recruiting Battle
And on Saturday morning, Keatts was up bright and early to watch Funches in action at the MADE Hoops August Live prep showcase in Georgia.
The eighth-year Wolfpack head coach wasn't the only suitor on hand for an 8 a.m. contest featuring the 6-foot-11, 220-pound Funches, who ranks No. 21 overall and No. 1 among full-fledged centers on the 247Sports 2026 Composite. Coaches from Mississippi State, Kansas State, Gonzaga, Ole Miss, Appalachian State, and Abilene Christian were also in the crowd, MADE Hoops director of events Jeff Kovner reported:
Coaches on hand at 8:00am at Augusta Live for Top 30 class of ‘26 6’11 Sam Funches:
— Jeff Kovner (@Jeff_Kovner) July 13, 2024
NC State (HC)
Mississippi St (HC)
Kansas St
Gonzaga
Ole Miss (HC)
App St
Abilene Christian
👤: https://t.co/XkP6U0eUOC pic.twitter.com/is2LbgVxod
Per the 247Sports Composite, Funches is the highest-ranked prospect and only composite five-star on Kevin Keatts' 2026 recruiting wishlist.
Sam Funches is a long and active forward that can face up and attack the rim where he can finish from multiple levels.
— Shun Williams (@OntheRadarHoops) May 2, 2024
📌:@SHReport @FunchesSam @DreamBigHurd @TaiYoungHoops @TeamThadNation pic.twitter.com/dmtZyPSM3A
That NC State basketball offer sheet has grown to five names and includes two other centers: John Marshall High School (Va.) four-star Latrell Allmond, who landed his offer from the Wolfpack six weeks before Funches, and the latest addition to Keatts' target list in Carmel Christian School (N.C.) four-star Cody Peck.
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Matt Giles is the editor and publisher of NC State Wolfpack on SI, Duke Blue Devils on SI, and North Carolina Tar Heels on SI, making him a key source for comprehensive coverage of these storied college basketball programs. Since joining NC State Wolfpack on SI in 2024, Matt has been dedicated to providing in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive content on all three teams. He covers everything from game previews and recaps to player profiles and recruiting updates. Matt's expert knowledge of these teams has made his work a go-to resource for fans and followers of Duke, NC State, and UNC. As publisher, he shapes the editorial direction, ensuring that the most relevant and timely information reaches his audience.