Calipari's Razorback Revival: Can He Land Top Prospect Sam Funches?

Arkansas head coach John Calipari is on the hunt for top prospect Sam Funches, a 6-foot-11 center from Mississippi. Can the Razorbacks land the coveted big man?

Calipari’s Razorback Revival: Can He Land Top Prospect Sam Funches?

As the college basketball world continues to buzz with excitement, one name has been making waves in the recruiting scene: Sam Funches. The 6-foot-11, 215-pound center from Mississippi is the No. 13 overall player in the class of 2026, and Arkansas head coach John Calipari is determined to bring him to Fayetteville.

The Razorbacks are on the hunt for top talent

Funches, a four-star prospect, has already garnered offers from top programs like Alabama, Auburn, Creighton, Florida State, Houston, Kansas State, and Michigan. But it’s Calipari’s impressive recruiting prowess that has the Razorbacks in the running for the coveted big man.

“(The conversation with the staff) was good,” Funches said. “They told me they were going to recruit me hard.”

As a sophomore, Funches averaged 18 points, 11 rebounds, and six blocks per game, making him a highly sought-after prospect. His impressive stats and dominant play have coaches and scouts alike taking notice.

Funches’ impressive stats have coaches and scouts taking notice

Funches himself is impressed with Calipari’s track record of producing top talent, citing the likes of Anthony Davis and Karl-Anthony Towns as examples of the coach’s ability to develop big men.

“I think it’s big for Arkansas to have a coach like Calipari,” Funches said. “Plus I like that he has a history of putting guys at my position in the league like Anthony Davis and Karl Anthony Towns.”

When asked if he felt his style of play was similar to Davis and Towns, Funches indicated that it was in some regards.

“We all play mid post and can step out to the three-point line, can play pick and roll and dribble hand off,” Funches said. “I think my style fits Calipari’s system.”

As the recruiting battle heats up, one thing is clear: Sam Funches is a prize worth fighting for. Will Calipari and the Razorbacks be able to land the top prospect, or will another program swoop in and steal the show?

The recruiting battle is on