Sam Funches Joined Gonzaga Men's Basketball Team
The 7-foot prospect arrived in Spokane this June to pursue his collegiate career and NBA development.
Updated on Oct. 11, 2026 in Basketball
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Sam Funches, a 7-foot tall standout from Germantown, Mississippi, officially joined the Gonzaga men's basketball program in June 2026. The freshman forward is currently undergoing a rigorous development program to transition into an NBA-caliber player.
Why it matters
Funches chose Gonzaga for its reputation in player development as he aims to refine his skills for a professional career. His progress in Spokane is a focal point for the team as they finalize their frontcourt rotation.
Funches stands 7 feet tall with a 7-foot-5 wingspan, reflecting his physical potential. He recently logged 10 minutes of action during the team's Kraziness in the Kennel showcase.
The players
Sam Funches
He is a 7-foot freshman forward who previously participated in a Team USA U-18 minicamp in Colorado Springs.
Massamba Diop
He is a Gonzaga frontcourt player who ranked second in Big 12 blocked shots last season.
Travis Knight
He serves as the strength coach for Gonzaga basketball and oversees the physical conditioning of the team roster.
Izan Almansa
He is a Gonzaga frontcourt player whose availability for the upcoming season is subject to a pending eligibility waiver.
The details
Funches is currently training with strength coach Travis Knight, focusing on core, leg, and balancing exercises to prepare for collegiate competition. During intrasquad scrimmages, he frequently matches up against Massamba Diop, who ranked second in Big 12 blocked shots last season.
Timeline
Sam Funches arrived at Gonzaga in June 2026.
Funches played 10 minutes during Kraziness in the Kennel.
The next six to seven months mark a pivotal development period for the freshman.
Season Trajectory
The integration of Funches provides Gonzaga with necessary depth behind Braden Huff, Massamba Diop, and Izan Almansa. His development over the next seven months will dictate his role in the rotation as the team navigates its conference schedule.
Funches remains a depth option for the frontcourt, but his playing time will likely increase if the eligibility waiver for Izan Almansa is ultimately denied. His growth is a key indicator for how the coaching staff will balance experienced talent like Massamba Diop with new arrivals.
The takeaway
Funches is undergoing a disciplined physical regimen to translate his high school dominance into college-level production. His daily work against established players like Diop highlights the intense competition for minutes in the frontcourt.
Further reading
For more on the team's roster, visit the Spokane Basketball page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Spokesman Review.
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