USC freshman Alijah Arenas is facing a lengthy absence from the court after being sidelined for six to eight months. This timeline could potentially keep him out for most of the 2025-26 college basketball season, leaving fans and teammates alike eagerly awaiting his recovery.
Alijah Arenas Injury Update: USC Freshman Faces Long Recovery
USC men’s basketball freshman Alijah Arenas is facing a significant setback after suffering a knee injury that will require surgery. According to the university, the 6-foot-6 guard is expected to be sidelined for six to eight months, which could rule him out for most, if not all, of the 2025-26 basketball season. This news comes just months after Arenas made a remarkable recovery from a near-fatal car accident in April 2025, where he was placed in a medically induced coma due to smoke inhalation after crashing his Tesla Cybertruck.
Arenas, the son of former NBA star Gilbert Arenas, was ranked as one of the top recruits in the 2025 class, earning a 5-star rating and a spot in the McDonald's All-American Game. His anticipated debut with USC was met with high expectations as he was expected to play a key role in the team’s upcoming season.
However, after his knee injury was diagnosed, his timeline for recovery will likely prevent him from making an impact on the court for USC this year. USC coach Eric Musselman expressed his support for Arenas, stating that the freshman’s health is the program’s top priority and that the team remains confident he will return stronger than ever.
Arenas’ injury is yet another devastating blow to his promising start at USC, as he had just recently been cleared to return to practice following his car accident. During the crash, Arenas' car lost control, collided with a tree and fire hydrant, and caught on fire, but thanks to the help of bystanders, he managed to escape with only minor injuries.
His remarkable recovery from this traumatic event fueled hopes for a strong debut, but now, with the knee injury, it will be a waiting game for both Arenas and USC fans. As of now, it is uncertain when he will be able to make his debut, but fans are hopeful that he will come back stronger and continue to make an impact in the future.
Who is Alijah Arenas?
Alijah Arenas is an up-and-coming American basketball player currently playing for the USC Trojans. Born on March 16, 2007, in Oakland, California, Arenas grew up in the Woodland Hills neighborhood of Los Angeles. Standing at 6 feet 6 inches and weighing 195 pounds, he’s known for his impressive scoring ability and versatility on the court.
Arenas attended Chatsworth High School, where he reclassified from the class of 2026 to 2025 midway through his junior year. His stellar performance in high school led to his selection as a McDonald's All-American in 2025, further cementing his reputation as one of the top prospects in his class.
In his senior year, Arenas averaged 31.8 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game, earning him the title of John R. Wooden High School Player of the Year. With a total of 3,002 points across three seasons, he also became the top scorer in CIF LA City Section history. Arenas committed to USC after receiving offers from prestigious programs like Arizona, Kansas, and Kentucky. The son of former NBA All-Star Gilbert Arenas, Alijah’s journey into college basketball carries added significance, with his father’s legacy in the sport adding intrigue to his promising future.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Alijah Arenas |
| Date of Birth | March 16, 2007 |
| Age | 18 (as of July 24, 2025) |
| Hometown | Woodland Hills, Los Angeles, California (Born in Oakland, California) |
| Position | Shooting Guard |
| High School | Chatsworth High School, Los Angeles, California |
| Class | 2025 (reclassified from 2026) |
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Alijah Arenas Career
Alijah Arenas is a promising American basketball player who has made significant strides in his career, transitioning from a standout high school athlete to a highly anticipated freshman at USC.
High School Career at Chatsworth High School
Alijah Arenas attended Chatsworth High School in Los Angeles, where he reclassified from the class of 2026 to 2025 midway through his junior year. During his senior season, he averaged 29.3 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game, leading his team to a CIF state championship game appearance.
He became the all-time leading scorer in the CIF LA City Section with 3,002 points, surpassing the previous record held by his father, Gilbert Arenas, who had 2,124 points. His exceptional performance earned him a spot in the 2025 McDonald's All-American Game, further solidifying his status as an elite player in high school basketball.
College Career at USC
After a stellar high school career, Arenas committed to play college basketball at the University of Southern California (USC), turning down offers from several other top programs. He was expected to be a key player for the Trojans, bringing his scoring ability and leadership to the team in his freshman season.
Injury Setback
In July 2025, Arenas suffered a knee injury that required surgery, sidelining him for six to eight months. This injury puts his debut season at USC in jeopardy, but the team remains hopeful for his recovery and future contributions.
Future Outlook
Despite this recent setback, Alijah Arenas' talent and determination suggest a bright future in basketball. His journey from a record-breaking high school career to a promising college debut reflects his potential to make a lasting impact in the sport.
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FAQ
What is the latest injury update on Alijah Arenas?
Alijah Arenas is expected to be sidelined for six to eight months due to a knee injury that requires surgery.
When was Alijah Arenas involved in a car accident?
Alijah Arenas was involved in a car crash in April 2025 but made a remarkable recovery after being placed in a medically induced coma.
What is Alijah Arenas' injury status for the 2025-26 season?
Due to his knee injury, Arenas is likely to miss most, if not all, of the 2025-26 basketball season.
What was Alijah Arenas' high school basketball performance?
Arenas averaged 31.8 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game in his senior year, breaking the CIF LA City Section scoring record.
Which college did Alijah Arenas commit to play for?
Alijah Arenas committed to play for the USC Trojans, turning down offers from top programs like Kansas and Kentucky.
