Five-Star USC Basketball Commit Alijah Arenas Seriously Injured in Car Crash, Currently in Induced Coma
April 24, 2025 — The basketball world was shaken Wednesday night following news that Alijah Arenas, an 18-year-old five-star recruit and standout high school basketball player, has been seriously injured in a devastating car accident. According to ESPN’s NBA insider Shams Charania, Arenas is currently in an induced coma as doctors work to stabilize his condition.
Alijah Arenas, widely regarded as one of the top basketball prospects in the nation, had recently committed to play for the University of Southern California (USC) in what many anticipated would be a transformative season for the Trojans. The son of former NBA All-Star Gilbert Arenas, Alijah has quickly carved out his own name in the sport with electrifying play, elite scoring ability, and a fiercely competitive spirit.
Details of the Accident
Sources close to the family confirmed that the accident occurred late Tuesday night, though the exact location and circumstances of the crash have not yet been made public. Emergency responders arrived on the scene promptly and transported Arenas to a nearby trauma center, where he was placed into a medically induced coma to mitigate potential brain swelling and other critical injuries.
As of Thursday morning, there has been no formal medical update regarding his condition, though family members have asked for prayers and privacy during this harrowing time.
A Rising Star in Basketball
Alijah Arenas had been making headlines throughout the high school basketball circuit, dominating in tournaments and earning accolades as one of the top-ranked guards in the class of 2025. Standing at 6’5” with an impressive wingspan and a keen basketball IQ, Arenas led his high school team to multiple playoff runs and was frequently the subject of national recruiting coverage.
His commitment to USC was seen as a major win for head coach Andy Enfield, and many analysts projected him to be a one-and-done player headed for the NBA. Off the court, Alijah was also known for his humility and work ethic—traits that mirrored those of his father, Gilbert Arenas, a former three-time NBA All-Star with the Washington Wizards.
An Outpouring of Support
In the hours since the news broke, social media has been flooded with messages of support from fans, fellow athletes, and public figures across the country. Gilbert Arenas, who has remained largely private during his son’s rise to fame, shared a brief but emotional message on Instagram:
“Please keep my son Alijah in your prayers. He’s strong. We believe in miracles.”
Former and current NBA players, including Damian Lillard, Chris Paul, and Jalen Green, have also expressed their support for the young star, using the hashtag #PrayForAlijah.
USC Athletics issued a statement early Thursday morning:
“Our thoughts and hearts are with Alijah Arenas and his family during this incredibly difficult time. Alijah is not only a talented athlete, but an exceptional young man with a bright future. We stand ready to support him and his loved ones in every way possible.”
What Comes Next
While the Arenas family remains by Alijah’s side, the USC basketball program and the wider basketball community will undoubtedly await further updates with great concern. With his future once seen as nearly written in NBA-bound stone, the focus now turns entirely to his recovery and healing.
Medical professionals caution that cases involving head trauma and coma can be unpredictable. However, they emphasize that youth and physical health can be significant factors in the recovery process.
As more details emerge, fans and supporters are encouraged to show support by respecting the family’s request for privacy and continuing to spread messages of hope and encouragement.
For now, the basketball world holds its breath, united in hope that Alijah Arenas—a young man of extraordinary talent and potential—will overcome this devastating setback and one day return to the court stronger than ever.