Sam Funches, a promising talent in the 2026 basketball class, is drawing the attention of some of the nation’s top college basketball programs. His ESPN ranking places him at No. 9 overall and positions him as the best prospect in his position.

What truly distinguishes Funches is his on-court finesse. He’s remarkably skilled near the basket, swiftly navigates the court, and is a dependable rebounder. His knack for timing when blocking shots sets him apart. Basketball aptitude runs in his family, with his father having played for Connecticut and North Texas in the 1990s, and his mother achieving stardom at Jackson State.

While the Duke Blue Devils have piqued Funches’ interest for a potential visit, it’s not the only prestigious institution vying for his talents. Other notable schools like Kentucky, UNC, Memphis, and UCLA have also expressed significant interest. Funches himself acknowledges that there’s still room for improvement in his game, particularly in areas such as speed and agility.

At the age of 15, he’s a young player with immense potential. Standing tall at 6’11” with an impressive wingspan, he possesses the essential attributes to excel at the next level. As with any young talent, continued development and dedicated training will be key to unleashing his full potential, but the groundwork for success is undoubtedly in place.