USC freshman Alijah Arenas is anticipated to be sidelined six to eight months after struggling a knee damage that can require surgical procedure, this system introduced on Wednesday. That timeline places the son of former NBA participant Gilbert Arenas in jeopardy of lacking most, if not all, of the 2025-26 school basketball season.
“Alijah is a tremendous worker, teammate, competitor, and person,” USC coach Eric Musselman stated within the assertion. “He is understandably disappointed that he will not be able to take the court to start the season, but his health is our No. 1 priority. We have no doubt that he will come back even stronger. We look forward to supporting him during this process.”
Arenas had not too long ago been cleared to observe after he was concerned in a fiery automobile crash this spring. Arenas, the No. 10 prospect within the 2025 class by 247Sports, was hospitalized and positioned in a medically induced coma after he crashed right into a tree and fireplace hydrant in his Tesla Cybertruck.
“I’ve been good,” Arenas stated in his media availability final month. “I’ve been really getting back into it, especially where I was to where I am now. I feel like I’ve gotten a lot better. And then especially seeing my teammates, it’s really motivated me a lot to push forward and to keep up with the team. Getting out of the hospital, that was my main focus. I already thought about the team.”
USC basketball recruit Alijah Arenas nears observe debut, particulars restoration from fiery automobile crash
Carter Bahns
Arenas was anticipated to play a key function for the Trojans this upcoming season and was the highest-ranked participant to decide to this system since five-star guard Isaiah Collier in 2023. Arenas projected as a possible first-round choose within the 2026 NBA Draft.
USC introduced in a star-studded switch class this offseason, which included former Auburn wing Chad Baker-Mazara and Maryland guard Rodney Rice. The Trojans completed 17-18 in Musselman’s first season on the helm of this system and have been anticipated to be one of the vital improved groups within the Huge Ten due to their offseason overhaul.
