JUCO star Derek Funderburk Visiting NC State This Weekend

According to a source of ours, Derek Funderburk 6’9”/205) , formerly of Ohio St, is flying in tonight for a visit to NC State.

Funderburk was a a 4-Star Power Forward prospect that committed to Ohio St as a member of the 2016 recruiting class. Scout ranked him as the #56 player in his class.

He was dismissed from Ohio St. this summer, after redshirting last season under Thad Matta. Funderburk was released for “failing to meet team expectations.”

As a result, Funderburk decided to transfer to Northwest Florida State College, which is a Junior College, so he could play right away.

“They’re gonna put me in the best position to enter another four-year university,” Funderburk said. “While I’m there, I’m going to do great things. I had to put my pride aside. My mom and dad were talking about junior colleges, but I was thinking four-year universities. But in order to play right away, I took the JUCO route. There have been a number of schools that have called since I got my release. Me and my family made the best decision for me, so I don’t have to sit out.” (Link)

So what’s the connection between NC State and Funderburk?

He played at Hargrave Military Academy.

Ring a bell.

NC State head coach Kevin Keatts used to be the head coach at Hargrave. Also, NC State assistant coach A.W. Hamilton played for Keatts at Hargrave, coached with him as an assistant there, and eventually took over the head coaching job, and was wait for it…Funderburk’s head coach.

No big deal…they won a national championship together.

Stay down and grind ! ???? The struggle is worth the reward! TRUST ME❗️ #NationalChamps ???????????????? pic.twitter.com/tA7mTNf5K4

— Derek Funderburk (@TooEvsy4) March 10, 2016

And they want Funderburk in Raleigh. Period.