USC Guard Alijah Arenas
USC Guard Alijah Arenas USC Trojans/Facebook

USC freshman Alijah Arenas, son of former NBA star Gilbert Arenas, will miss his debut college basketball season after suffering a torn meniscus, months after surviving a fiery car crash in Los Angeles. The injury, sustained during a summer training session in July 2025, came just weeks after the 17-year-old guard began his recovery from a life-threatening accident in April.

Season-Ending Injury at USC

According to NBA insider Chris Haynes, Alijah Arenas, one of the most highly touted recruits in the 2025 class, suffered a torn meniscus. The setback will sideline him for an estimated 6 to 8 months, effectively ruling him out for the entire 2025–26 NCAA season.

Head coach Eric Musselman has expressed support for Arenas, stating that the programme will prioritise his long-term recovery.

'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', Musselman said in a statement, as reported by CBS Sports.

The April Car Crash That Shook His Path

Just months earlier, on 24 April 2025, Arenas was involved in a serious car crash in Los Angeles. He was driving a Tesla Cybertruck when the vehicle reportedly malfunctioned, veering off the road, striking a fire hydrant and a tree, before catching fire.

According to the Los Angeles Police Department, Arenas was trapped inside the burning vehicle for approximately 10 minutes before 'brave individuals' smashed the windows and pulled him out. He was rushed to a local hospital and placed in a medically induced coma due to severe smoke inhalation.

The incident drew widespread attention, with many praising the quick actions of the civilians who helped save his life. Gilbert Arenas, Alijah's father, later referred to the rescuers as 'angels' and expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support.

Recovery from the Crash and Return to Training

After spending six days in hospital, Arenas was discharged and began a gradual recovery process. The USC medical team, along with family support, oversaw his return to physical activity over the summer.

In early July, Arenas was cleared to practice with USC. He later recounted the harrowing experience of the crash, saying the car's doors had locked and the steering wheel became unresponsive. 'I was fighting time', he told reporters. 'I tried to open the door and the door wasn't opening'.

Despite the trauma, the teenager was reportedly in high spirits and eager to rejoin the team in full training. However, that comeback was halted by the meniscus injury, marking another major obstacle in what has been a turbulent year for the young star.

Alijah Arenas' Height, Stats and Star Status

Before the setbacks, Arenas had emerged as one of the brightest prospects in American high school basketball. With a height of 6-foot-7, the young guard averaged over 33 points and 8.6 rebounds per game in his sophomore season at Chatsworth High School in Los Angeles.

He reclassified from the 2026 to the 2025 class and committed to USC earlier this year, choosing the Trojans over programmes such as Kentucky, Kansas and Arizona. Ranked a five-star recruit by major scouting services, Arenas was widely expected to make an immediate impact in the Pac-12.

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