In the latest edition of ‘P.I. Pulse,’ Pro Insight’s Esayas Gebrekidan highlights five players who caught his eye, along with a larger group of prospects who stood out at the 2024 City of Palms Classic after spending several days on the ground at the event in Fort Myers, Florida:
Five Eye-Catchers
Darius Acuff, Jr.
IMG Academy (FL) | 6’2” Guard | 2025 *Arkansas
The Arkansas commit was arguably the even’t top performer, as he guided his team to back-to-back victories despite being down by double digits. His multi-level scoring ability was evident as he finished the tournament with a 3-1 record, demonstrated impressive efficiency, achieving shooting splits of 51.3/44.1/75.6 all while remaining a presence on defense. Acuff averaged north of 6 dimes per game on the week, and skillfully balanced scoring with playmaking and facilitating, using his IQ, vision, pace, and ability to break down opponents off the dribble to set up his teammates with various scoring opportunities. As defenses began to deny Acuff the ball, he transitioned into a slasher role, continually attacking the rim and finishing through contact.
Caleb Gaskins
Christopher Columbus HS (FL) | 6’7” Wing | 2026
Gaskins’ throwback style of play makes him fun to watch. His three-level scoring was on full display in Fort Myers, but he also excelled off the ball as a cutter and leveraged his shooting to attack closeouts and get downhill. Gaskins does a great job finishing at the rim and doesn’t shy away from contact. The 6’7 sharpshooter is an extremely effective and efficient mid-range scorer who gets to his spots. On defense, he is strong, moves laterally, cuts off ball handlers and does a great job positioning himself for rebounds.
Dylan Mingo
Long Island Lutheran HS (NY) | 6’5” Guard | 2026
Mingo is a dynamic two-way threat who can score it from multiple levels. He possesses great court vision, plays with a high IQ and is a lockdown defender. Although he averaged nearly 21 PPG throughout the event, his presence on the floor was felt in more ways than his scoring. His ability to play on or off the ball really opens things up for his team. With the ball in his hands, he makes the right reads and is unselfish. Mingo doesn't force shots and takes care of the ball. He is relentless on defense, hounding ball handlers into turnovers with his physical style of play and active hands. On the glass, Mingo boxes out and crashes the boards for rebounding opportunities and is quick to turn those rebounds into points heading the other way.
Zamir “Bam” Paschal
Central Catholic HS (OR) | 5’10” Guard | 2026
Paschal made a case as one of the top defenders in the tournament. His impact on the defensive end was undeniable but he also remained a scoring threat on offense. At 5’10”, Paschal is a highly functional athlete who possesses exceptional speed and ability to change direction. His dynamic tools especially popped when he chased down a driver for a helpside block. Bam is hard to contain, a shifty ball handler and an elite slasher who is always in attack mode. All in all, Bam is a two-way playmaker who scores when necessary and an elite positional rebounder (7.3 RPG) who has a knack for contesting shots at the rim (1.7 BPG).
Melvin Bell, Jr.
La Lumiere School (IN) | 6’4” Guard | 2025 *San Jose State
Bell put together strong performances throughout the weekend and will be a great addition to San Jose State. His all-around game, off-ball activity, scoring diversity and style of play allows him to fit into any system. Bell's shooting from range (9-13 3FG) allowed LaLu to space the floor. His activity on the boards is where he was most effective – his strong frame allowed him to move opponents as he gathered 4.3 ORPG, many leading to putbacks and second-chance opportunities. Bell’s versatility is one of his greatest traits – at 6’4” he is physical, which allows him to defend in the post but also has the lateral agility to defend on the perimeter.
Additional Notable Performers
Dante Allen | Montverde Academy (FL) | 6’4” Guard | 2025 *Villanova
💡➡️ Do-it-all lead guard who scores, facilitates and defends
Jerry Ashley | Bishop Verot HS (FL) | 6’8” Big | 2025
💡➡️ High motor big with a great frame, size, length, and shot-blocking instincts
Trey Beamer | IMG Academy (FL) | 6’1” Guard | 2026
💡➡️ Shifty guard with downhill speed, change of pace and separation OTD
Luca Foster | Archbishop John Carroll HS (PA) | 6’5” Guard | 2026
💡➡️ Tough prospect who can set the table; does not shy away from contact
Munir Greig | Archbishop John Carroll HS (PA) | 6’6” Guard | 2027
💡➡️ Competitor who plays with good energy and pace; showed intriguing flashes on both ends
Lamont Hartfield | Faith Family Academy (TX) | 6’4” Guard | 2025
💡➡️ Tough, physical and athletic guard with two-way potential
Demarcus Henry | Mater Dei HS (CA) | 6’6” Guard | 2027
💡➡️ Intriguing long-term prospect with good size and length
Chuck Love III | La Lumiere School (IN) | 6’6” Guard | 2025 *Loyola Chicago
💡➡️ Brings size, length and versatility on both ends
Kayden Mingo | Long Island Lutheran | 6’3” Guard | 2025 *Penn State
💡➡️ Elite two-way guard who brings physicality, versatility, BBIQ, multi-level scoring, and playmaking
Jalen Montonati | Owasso HS (OK) | 6’7” Guard | 2026
💡➡️ Elite, versatile, efficient scorer whose gravity opens things up for teammates
Jaxon Richardson | Christopher Columbus HS (FL) | 6’7” Wing | 2026
💡➡️ Elite motor, athleticism, pace, off-ball movement, and a versatile defender
Trey Simpson III | DME Academy (FL) | 6’7” Forward | 2025 *Murray State
💡➡️ Impactful two-way player who spaces the floor, crashes glass and defends
Hakeem Weems | Montverde Academy (FL) | 6’10” Big | 2025
💡➡️ Versatile big with great physical tools and a motor
Sadiq White, Jr. | IMG Academy (FL) | 6’8” Forward | 2025 *Syracuse
💡➡️ Offers versatility and a high activity level on both ends
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