Sam Funches, a 7-foot center committed to the Gonzaga Bulldogs, has secured a coveted invitation to the USA Basketball U18 training camp, setting the stage for a major breakthrough in his basketball career. The training camp runs May 21-23 in Colorado Springs, CO, and offers Funches a critical opportunity to earn a spot on the 12-man roster that will represent the United States at the 2026 FIBA U18 AmeriCup, scheduled for June 1-7 in Leon, Mexico.
This invite comes as a major boost for the Gonzaga program, which is already building one of its strongest recruiting classes ever for the 2026-27 season. Funches stands out not only for his imposing 7’5″ wingspan but also for his potential upside as a rim protector and two-way contributor. Currently ranked No. 90 in the 2026 class by 247Sports, Funches chose Gonzaga over home-state programs Ole Miss and Mississippi State, as well as major schools like Kansas, LSU, and Vanderbilt.
At the camp, Funches will train under some of college basketball’s most respected coaches, including Dusty May from Michigan, Dennis Gates of Missouri, Nate Oats from Alabama, and Dayton’s head coach Anthony Grant. Their expertise will be critical in evaluating Funches and other top prospects for the U18 roster.
Gonzaga’s frontcourt depth for 2026-27 is already strong, with newcomers like Massamba Diop and returners such as Braden Huff providing immediate impact. While Funches may not be the team’s leading freshman initially, his sky-high upside fits Gonzaga’s long track record of developing elite big men and rim protectors.
Funches is the only Gonzaga commit participating in this year’s camp, but the program’s recruiting radar remains hot. A trio of highly ranked 2027 targets—guards and forwards Jalen Davis, DeMarcus Henry, and center Darius Wabbington—have also earned invitations to the camp, signaling continued momentum for the Bulldogs’ recruiting efforts.
Fans and analysts alike will be closely watching how Funches performs at the USA Basketball camp. Success there would not only elevate his profile nationally but also enhance Gonzaga’s position in the increasingly competitive college basketball landscape.
With training camp beginning in just days and the AmeriCup following swiftly, this is an immediate developing story in the basketball recruiting world that holds significant promise for Gonzaga’s next wave of talent.
