The Indiana basketball program extended its first scholarship offer to a 2026 prospect on Friday night and it goes to a big time player in the class.
Five-star center Sam Funches of Germantown (Miss.) High School earned an offer from Indiana to add to the growing list of programs involved in the early stages of his recruitment.
In addition to Indiana basketball, the five-star prospect has offers from nearly two dozen programs including from Alabama, Arkansas, Auburn, Florida State, Michigan, LSU, Missouri, NC State, Creighton, Texas A&M and others.
Funches has already made his name known nationally, as seen by the numerous offers from nearly every power five conference.
“At 6-foot-10, the lefty big man with a narrow frame remains a threat with his jumper from soft spots on the floor,” 247Sports national analyst Brandon Jenkins wrote. “He hit a few contested turnaround and spot-up jumpers that most guards would not be able to connect on. His top-ten ranking was certainly warranted on night one.”
Funches has a very good all-around skillset and continues to improve his ability to shoot from distance.
“Big time natural tools, soft hands, shot blocker and beginning to space the floor,” MADE Hoops national scout Max Feldman told HoosierIllustrated.com. “Been about getting stronger and a bit more flexible athletically now.”
Funches played for Nike Iso Joe during the summer, founded by former NBA All-Star Joe Johnson.
Funches is ranked No. 10 in the 247Sports Composite Rankings and is the No. 1 overall center.
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Alec Lasley is the owner of Hoosier Illustrated, a comprehensive site covering news, updates and recruiting for Indiana University athletics. Alec has covered Indiana for six years and is a credentialed media member. He has previously worked for both Rivals and 247Sports.
