Built for Pasco County'sNext Generation
Prospect Basketball was founded with one mission: give every youth athlete in Pasco County access to elite-level training, world-class coaching, and a facility that matches their potential.
More Than a Gym — It's a Development System
At Prospect Basketball, we believe every athlete deserves a professional training environment regardless of budget or background. That's why we've built a state-of-the-art training center in the heart of New Port Richey.
Our coaches aren't just trainers — they're mentors who understand what it takes to develop athletes from youth recreational leagues all the way to the college level.
Whether your athlete is just picking up a basketball or eyeing a scholarship, Prospect Basketball is where their journey accelerates.
Ownership & Direction
Marcus Applefield
Founder / Co-Owner
Marcus Applefield is the founder of the Prospect brand and a former Division I football player and NFL athlete. A Hernando County native, Marcus earned football scholarships to Rutgers University and the University of Virginia, where he served as team captain at both schools while earning bachelor's and master's degrees. After signing with the Baltimore Ravens in 2019, he transitioned into athlete development following a career-ending injury. Through the Prospect brand, Marcus is committed to creating opportunities and providing resources that help young athletes reach their full potential both on and off the court.
Dan Gambino
Co-Owner / Director of Travel
Our Coaching Staff
Experienced coaches who've played and trained at the highest levels, now dedicated to developing the next generation.
Will Dawson Jr.
Basketball Skills Trainer and Mentor
Will Dawson Jr. is a basketball skills trainer and mentor dedicated to helping athletes grow both on and off the court. A former standout point guard at Ridgewood High School, Will served as a three-year starter and team captain, helping lead his senior team to a 27–4 record and an Elite Eight appearance while earning All-Conference and All–Tampa Bay honors. He continued his playing career at the collegiate level before transitioning into player development.
Juwan Durham
Skills Development Coach
Juwan Durham brings a rare combination of high-major playing experience and hands-on player development expertise to every athlete he trains. A native of Tampa, Florida, Durham starred at Tampa Preparatory School, where he was rated a top-50 national recruit in the state of Florida in the class of 2016. He began his college career at the University of Connecticut before transferring to the University of Notre Dame, where he became a key contributor for the Fighting Irish in the ACC. Over his Notre Dame career, Durham was a consistent double-double threat in his final seasons, highlighted by strong performances against ACC opponents including Duke, Georgia Tech, Louisville, and Miami. After his college career, Durham continued playing professionally overseas and spent time in NBA Summer League with the Atlanta Hawks, gaining exposure to the highest levels of player evaluation and development. Today, Durham channels that experience into coaching the next generation of players. He works with athletes of all ages from youth to professional athletes on skill development, basketball IQ, and the mental approach needed to compete at higher levels — the same qualities that carried him from a top national recruit through a Division I career at two ACC/Big East programs and into professional basketball.
Our Core Values
Development First
Every drill, every rep, every session is built around athlete growth — not just winning.
Accountability
We push athletes to hold themselves to a higher standard, on and off the court.
Community
Prospect Basketball is a family. We invest in the players and the entire Pasco County community.