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UNC Basketball developing a relationship with 2026 recruit

By Jordan Falls

Feb 19, 2023; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Hubert Davis reacts before the first half of the game against North Carolina State Wolfpack at PNC Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jaylynn Nash-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 19, 2023; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Hubert Davis reacts before the first half of the game against North Carolina State Wolfpack at PNC Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jaylynn Nash-USA TODAY Sports /
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The UNC basketball program is always looking to gain an edge in recruiting top talent nationwide, even if it means being three years ahead.

It may only be 2023, and there isn’t a recruit committed to the Class of 2025 for the UNC basketball program, but they are already looking to get a head start in the Class of 2026. It is no secret that for college basketball coaches to recruit kids, they have to be able to connect and relate to them on a personal level.

Head UNC basketball coach Hubert Davis has said from day one, “I can’t coach you if I don’t know you.” He requires his players to stop by his office once a week to talk about anything other than basketball so that he can get to know his players – that’s how we all found out Pete Nance loves lemon Oreos.

Hubert is trying to get a headstart in the Class of 2026 by developing a relationship with elite big man Sam Funches. His dad, also Sam Funches, played at the University of Connecticut for two seasons from 1996-1998. Funches recently sat down for an interview with Patrick O’Brien with Phenom Hoop Report to discuss his recruitment, which now includes over 15 offers.

Schools that have offered Funches include NC State, Florida State, Georgia, LSU, and Georgia Tech. However, expect many more to hop in on his recruitment in the near future. UNC basketball is among the programs that have been showing interest in the elite big man who is expected to be a rim-protector and a shot-blocker.

"Duke, Kentucky, UNC, Memphis, and UCLA. They have shown a lot of interest and we are building a relationship. We will see how things go but I’m excited about the opportunity."

The 6-foot-11 lefty is ranked No. 10 by ESPN in their Class of 2026 Top 25 rankings and will have plenty of offers come his way over the next several years leading up to his commitment. It is never too early to recruit top talent, and the Tar Heels are trying to get ahead by building this relationship.

Next. UNC Basketball: Andrew Platek signs with Sabah BK Baku. dark

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