Top USC hoops recruit Alijah Arenas to miss 6-8 months (knee)

USC five-star recruit Alijah Arenas suffered a knee injury that will require surgery and keep him off the court between six and eight months, the university announced on Wednesday.

Arenas, the son of former NBA All-Star Gilbert Arenas, had just returned to the practice court, having recovered from after a serious car accident in April.

"Alijah is a tremendous worker, teammate, competitor and person," USC coach Eric Musselman said. "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."

Arenas graduated from Chatsworth (Calif.) HS a year early to suit up with the Trojans, along with transfers Rodney Rice (Maryland) and Chad Baker-Mazara (Auburn). It was expected that the 6-foot-6 Arenas would form an explosive backcourt for USC.

In April, Arenas lost control of his Tesla Cybertruck and ran into a tree. The car became engulfed in flames, but he was able to escape with assistance from bystanders. Arenas was placed in a medically induced coma due to smoke inhalation, but was released one week later.

ESPN tabbed Arenas the No. 13 recruit in their Top 100. He scored more than 3,000 points in three seasons at Chatsworth, setting a CIF LA City Section record.

Arenas was expected to be a first-round pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, but that is believed to be in jeopardy due to the nature of his injury.

--Field Level Media