The City of Palms Tournament, a premier high school basketball showcase, has drawn elite teams and some of the nation’s most highly ranked recruits, making it a hub for college coaches scouting future talent. Among those in attendance was Kentucky Wildcats assistant coach Jason Hart, who observed two promising 2026 prospects—5-star shooting guard Caleb Holt and 4-star small forward Alex Constanza—during Wednesday night’s games.
Caleb Holt Shines on the Big Stage
Jason Hart was treated to a standout performance by Caleb Holt, a 6-foot-5, 200-pound shooting guard from Loganville, Georgia. Holt delivered an impressive stat line, tallying 20 points, four rebounds, four assists, and two steals, demonstrating the skills that have earned him recognition as one of the top players in his class.
Holt, currently ranked No. 4 overall in the class of 2026 by 247Sports, has continued to build on his growing reputation as a versatile and high-impact player. Kentucky extended an offer to Holt back in July, marking the beginning of a relationship that has seen the Wildcats visit him twice in September. Holt has also drawn significant interest from powerhouse programs like Duke, Alabama, Auburn, North Carolina, Kansas, and UConn, making him one of the most sought-after recruits in the nation.
Holt’s performance at the City of Palms further solidifies his standing as an elite talent and reaffirms why Kentucky remains heavily invested in his recruitment.
Alex Constanza: A Rising Star on Kentucky’s Radar
In addition to Holt, Hart also watched Alex Constanza, a 6-foot-8, 205-pound small forward from Miami, Florida. Constanza, currently ranked No. 21 in the class of 2026 by 247Sports, impressed with his size, athleticism, and two-way potential on the court.
Though Kentucky has yet to extend an official offer to Constanza, the Wildcats have maintained consistent communication with him since Mark Pope took over as head coach. Constanza’s father revealed to A Sea of Blue that Hart attended the game specifically to evaluate his son’s progress. Constanza’s recruitment has already seen offers from programs like Alabama, Auburn, Florida, Louisville, and Ole Miss, and his strong showing at the tournament may prompt Kentucky to intensify their pursuit.
Notably, Constanza is also considering reclassifying to the class of 2025, a move that could accelerate his recruitment timeline and increase his appeal to programs like Kentucky.
Checking in on Malachi Moreno
While scouting future targets, Hart also had the chance to evaluate Malachi Moreno, a 2025 center and current Kentucky signee. Moreno, representing Great Crossing High School, played on Thursday night against Columbus. Despite Great Crossing suffering a heavy 90-39 loss, Moreno showcased moments of his potential, recording 10 points, six rebounds, three blocks, and one assist.
Moreno, a 6-foot-11 center, has been a cornerstone of Kentucky’s 2025 recruiting class. His physical presence, shot-blocking ability, and developing offensive skill set make him a critical addition to the Wildcats’ future frontcourt. Despite the tough team loss, Moreno’s performance demonstrated the tools that have made him a highly regarded prospect.
Kentucky’s Recruitment Outlook
The City of Palms Tournament provides a glimpse into Kentucky’s ambitious recruiting strategy under Mark Pope. With a keen eye on players like Holt and Constanza, the Wildcats are clearly targeting versatile, high-upside athletes to complement their future rosters.
For Holt, Kentucky remains a strong contender amid fierce competition from other elite programs. Meanwhile, Constanza’s recruitment is one to watch, especially if Kentucky decides to extend an offer to the talented forward.
As the tournament continues, Kentucky’s coaching staff will undoubtedly keep their focus on identifying and evaluating talent that aligns with the program’s championship aspirations. Events like the City of Palms not only showcase elite prospects but also reinforce Kentucky’s commitment to remaining a dominant force in college basketball recruiting.
