News Summary
Alijah Arenas, a promising freshman basketball player at USC, is facing a six to eight-month recovery after a knee injury requiring surgery. The injury, which includes a meniscus tear and bone bruise, raises concerns for the upcoming college basketball season. Despite his remarkable high school achievements and being projected as a top NBA prospect, his health remains a priority as the Trojans prepare for the next season without him.
Los Angeles, CA – Alijah Arenas, a highly regarded freshman basketball player for the University of Southern California (USC), is set to undergo surgery for a knee injury that will likely keep him off the court for six to eight months. This news was confirmed by the university on Wednesday, raising concerns about his playing time for the upcoming 2025-26 college basketball season.
The injury is comprised of a slight meniscus tear and a bone bruise, both of which were identified shortly after Arenas was cleared to participate in team practices. Head coach Eric Musselman has highlighted the importance of protecting Arenas’ health during this recovery period, recognizing him as a valuable teammate and competitor.
The injury marks another setback for Arenas, whose journey to USC has been fraught with challenges. Earlier this year, he went through a traumatic episode when a car crash left him in a medically induced coma. The crash involved a Tesla Cybertruck, which Arenas crashed into a tree and a fire hydrant, ultimately leading to a vehicle fire. Fortunately, bystanders were able to rescue him and he was released from the hospital after a six-day stay, emerging without significant injuries.
Despite these recent hurdles, Arenas has an impressive background that precedes him. He is a five-star recruit and was ranked as the No. 13 player in ESPN’s 2025 high school basketball prospect rankings. Throughout his high school career at Chatsworth High School, he earned the title of 2024 John R. Wooden High School Player of the Year and set the record for the top scorer in the CIF LA City Section’s history, amassing a remarkable total of 3,002 points in just three years. In his senior year, Arenas averaged 29.3 points per game.
He made headlines in January 2023 when he committed to USC, choosing the Trojans over several prestigious programs, including Alabama, Kansas, Kentucky, and UCLA. Arenas was projected to be a first-round pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, and as the son of former NBA player Gilbert Arenas, basketball talent runs in his family.
The Trojans are coming off a difficult season that saw them finish with a record of 17-18. The injury to Arenas raises uncertainty about how his absence will impact the team’s dynamics and overall performance in the upcoming season, which kicks off in November. With an already challenging previous season, USC will need to adapt without one of their key recruits as they look to improve.
In summary, Alijah Arenas, expected to be one of USC’s standout players, will be sidelined for a significant portion of the upcoming season due to a knee injury requiring surgery. While his history and skill set suggest a bright future in basketball, he will first need to focus on his recovery and rehabilitation during this crucial time.
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Additional Resources
- Los Angeles Times: USC Basketball – Alijah Arenas Knee Injury
- Orange County Register: USC Basketball’s Alijah Arenas Out 6-8 Months
- UPI: USC’s Alijah Arenas to Miss 6-8 Months
- Rookie Wire: USC Freshman Alijah Arenas Knee Injury Update
- Sports Illustrated: USC Trojans Basketball – Alijah Arenas Knee Injury
- Wikipedia: Alijah Arenas
- Google Search: Alijah Arenas
- Google Scholar: Alijah Arenas
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Alijah Arenas
- Google News: Alijah Arenas
