EVANSVILLE, Ind. – As soon as Sam Cunliffe met University of Evansville head men's basketball coach Walter McCarty, he knew that this was the place for him.  The highest-rated recruit in Purple Aces history joined the team over the summer and is already making a huge impact on the program.
 
Cunliffe's ultimate goal is to play in the NBA.  With the background that Coach McCarty brings to the program, it was an easy decision.
 
"That (NBA) is where I want to get to.  Coach McCarty was just there, he coached at the highest level and played at the highest level," Cunliffe said.  "He coached some of the biggest names in the sport and has been where I want to go.  When someone tells me they are going to show me how to get there, that is what I trusted the most."
 
Aside from the possibility of getting to the next level, Cunliffe also connected with McCarty and his staff on a much more personal level.
 
"I felt like Coach was someone who was my friend, someone I could talk to and be like my older brother.  I was encouraged by that and the way I got along with the rest of the staff.  I tell my teammates that this is the best atmosphere in the country where the staff cares about you.  It is always about winning, but how Coach McCarty goes about winning will be much different."
 
Two months into his time with the program, Cunliffe has enjoyed every minute.  He went into detail about how the coaching staff allows him the freedom that puts him in the position to be the best that he can be.
 
"He (Coach McCarty) lets me play.  He trusts me and knows I can handle the basketball and make plays," Cunliffe explained.  "I will be freed up, and not have to think as much and let things happen and come to me.  That will make me more successful.  He kept that side of the deal and lets me do what I do.  He has been completely on board with it and I could not be happier."
 
Less than six months ago, Cunliffe was a member of the Kansas squad that advanced to the Final Four.  He hopes that his experience in that journey will help him motivate his teammates to show that anything is possible.
 
"Going to the Final Four is crazy, it is a journey and a lot has to go right.  A lot of luck has to break your way," he exclaimed.  "I know what it takes to prepare every day, how serious and focused you have to be.  It is a long season when you make it that far.  Every individual needs to take care of their business and be locked in for the whole year.  We were able to come together at the right time.  I will be able to bring a lot of that to this team because I know what it takes to get there."
 
Following the run, Cunliffe made a tough decision.  He wanted more on his shoulders.  He wanted to be at a place where he could flourish with his talent.  After choosing to transfer, he made the decision to come to UE. 
 
"I loved my time at Kansas, Coach Self was great and I had some great memories," Cunliffe said.  "I just wanted more on my shoulders and opened up my recruiting process again and know this is the best place for me."
 
"I am ready to lift the other guys up, no one has seen me do it in college yet.  As far as being a leader, I will sure everyone is in their spot.  I remember being a freshman, it feels like it was yesterday.  Being able to identify with those guys, I will bring leadership, encouragement and competitiveness."
 
The Seattle native was a 4-star recruit according to Rivals.com and was ranked 36^th in the nation.  He was also rated as the top player in the state of Washington and 41^st overall by ESPN.  With all of that attention, Cunliffe explained what it was like for a high school student to go through the recruiting process.
 
"It was a hectic time having grown men trying to sell their school to you.  My parents let me handle everything myself, so the first time going through it was stressful," he said.  "You had 10-15 coaches calling you every day.  It was just a long, stressful process.  I felt like I learned a different lesson each time.  I learned from my previous decisions and that helped me to end up here."
 
When asked to explain his game, Cunliffe was very candid.
 
"I'm 6-foot-8, can handle the ball, finish at the rim, I am an underrated passer, I can really do everything," Cunliffe exclaimed.  "I have not been able to show everything that I can do yet, but that is honestly not a bad thing.  I was able to learn so many other things that have helped me to improve my game.  I am just excited to be here where I will have the freedom to do what I do!"
 
Athleticism is something that runs in Cunliffe's family.  He grew up as the only boy with eight sisters.  His older sister Hannah was one of the top runners in NCAA history.  Yes – NCAA history.  She ran the 60-meter event in 7.07 seconds, the collegiate record holder in the event.  She was also the NCAA Champion in 2017.  He also has a younger sister who is ranked #1 in the nation in pole vault.
 
With this kind of pedigree, Sam Cunliffe has only started to scratch the surface.  The UE program is in great hands.
 

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