Alijah Arenas, the 18-year-old son of former NBA All-Star Gilbert Arenas, has emerged as one of the most promising young talents in American basketball. A standout shooting guard from Chatsworth High School in Los Angeles, Alijah’s combination of size, skill, and scoring prowess has made him a top recruit in the class of 2025. However, his burgeoning career has recently faced a significant challenge following a serious car accident.
Early Life and Basketball Ascent
Born on March 16, 2007, in Oakland, California, Alijah grew up in the Woodland Hills neighborhood of Los Angeles. He attends Chatsworth High School, where he quickly made a name for himself on the basketball court. As a freshman, he averaged an impressive 30.3 points per game, showcasing his scoring ability early on. His sophomore year saw further development, with averages of 33 points and 8.6 rebounds per game. These performances earned him a selection to the prestigious 2025 McDonald’s All-American Boys Game .
Alijah’s high school career statistics are a testament to his consistent excellence. Over 97 varsity games, he averaged 30.9 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game . His scoring ability placed him 61st nationally, 13th in California, and 2nd in the Los Angeles City Section for points per game .
Recruitment and Commitment to USC
Alijah’s talent attracted attention from several top-tier college basketball programs. He received offers from schools including Kentucky, Kansas, Arizona, Louisville, and Alabama. In January 2025, he committed to the University of Southern California (USC), choosing to stay close to home and play under coach Eric Musselman. His commitment was announced on his father’s podcast, “Gil’s Arena,” highlighting the close bond between father and son .
Recent Car Accident and Current Condition
On April 24, 2025, Alijah was involved in a serious car accident in Los Angeles. Driving a Tesla Cybertruck registered to his father, the vehicle collided with a tree and a fire hydrant, resulting in a fire. Emergency responders found Alijah outside the vehicle, and he was transported to the hospital in serious condition. He was placed in a medically induced coma but, fortunately, initial tests indicated he did not suffer any broken bones . As of the latest reports, he remains in stable condition .
The basketball community has rallied around Alijah and his family during this challenging time. His father, Gilbert Arenas, a three-time NBA All-Star known for his time with the Washington Wizards, has been a prominent figure in sports media since retiring from professional basketball. The Arenas family, including Alijah’s mother, Laura Govan, has requested privacy and prayers for Alijah’s recovery.
Looking Ahead
Alijah Arenas’s journey from a high school phenom to a top college recruit has been marked by hard work, dedication, and exceptional talent. While the recent accident has posed a significant hurdle, the support from his family, friends, and the broader basketball community underscores the impact he has already made. As he continues to receive medical care, hopes remain high for his full recovery and return to the sport he loves.