All Tar Heels

UNC Basketball: Giant Prep Draws 'A Lot of Interest' From Tar Heels

Elite big Sam Funches has entered the UNC basketball recruiting radar.

Matt Giles

Photo credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
In this story:

Germantown (Miss.) sophomore Sam Funches has a growing list of offers, including a recent one from NC State. And he's hearing more and more from several bluebloods and recruiting powers, with the UNC basketball staff being one of them.

"Duke, Kentucky, UNC, Memphis, and UCLA," the 6-foot-11, 210-pound lefty, potentially a premier rim-runner and shot-blocker at the next level, listed to Phenom Hoop Report's Patrick O'Brien this week. "They have shown a lot of interest, and we are building a relationship."

Funches, the namesake of a former UConn (1996-98) and North Texas (1998-00) forward who was once a top-100 prospect, now ranks No. 1 among centers and No. 9 overall on the 2026 ESPN 25.

His offer count is approaching 20. That's despite many programs, such as UNC, having not officially targeted anyone in his class.

But whenever the Tar Heels decide to enter 2026 recruiting battles, look for Sam Funches and admitted UNC basketball enthusiast Tyran Stokes, a Prolific Prep (Calif.) power forward who ranks No. 2, to be among the prime candidates to receive the first offers from Hubert Davis and his assistants.

RELATED: Potential No. 1 Recruit Wears Tar Heel Gear

Earlier this summer, after watching Funches shine at a top-shelf prep showcase in Kansas City, 247Sports' Eric Bossi provided the following assessment of the mere 15-year-old's budding talent:

"Funches is a 6-foot-10'ish big man with lots of length who plays with a lot of energy. He is long and lean, can really run, and is active on both ends of the floor...He's still very much a work in progress, but he's got big-time upside and plenty of time to grow into his game."

At least for the time being, although the UNC basketball recruiters are laying the groundwork for their 2026 pursuits, their more pressing aim is to put the finishing touches on a three-deep 2024 haul that ranks No. 1 in the country while trying to reel in their first 2025 prize.

RELATED: UNC in Mix for Top Undecided Point Guard

Stay tuned to All Tar Heels on SI.com for more UNC basketball recruiting news.

Published
Matt Giles
MATT GILES

Matt Giles is the editor and publisher of North Carolina Tar Heels on SI, Duke Blue Devils on SI, and NC State Wolfpack on SI, making him a key source for comprehensive coverage of these storied college basketball programs. Since joining UNC on SI in 2023, 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.

Home/Basketball