Indiana basketball offers first 2026 prospect in 5-star center Sam Funches

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.

Earlier this summer, he was a standout performer at the USA Basketball minicamp — for prospects in every class.

“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.

SEE ALSO: 5-star Indiana basketball target Derik Queen not expected to sign during early signing period

Make sure to follow Hoosier Illustrated, part of the Full Ride Network, on Twitter @Indiana_FRN, Facebook and YouTubeto stay up to date on all of the news, updates and coverage of Indiana University athletics. You can also listen to the Talking’ Bout the Hoosiers podcast on Spotify.