Southern California basketball recruit Alijah Arenas did not suffer major injuries in a fiery single-car crash last week and is set to be released from the hospital soon, according to his father’s podcast.
Arenas is the son of three-time NBA All-Star Gilbert Arenas, and one of his podcast co-hosts on “Gil’s Arena,” Josiah Johnson, revealed the positive news during his show Monday.
“Happy to announce that Alijah is doing much better,” Johnson said. “Just got off the phone with Gil. … Alijah’s doing better, walking, talking, progressing very well, should be released from the hospital very soon. No major injuries as a result of the car accident.”
It was another surprising step in the right direction for Alijah Arenas, considering he was placed in a medically induced coma following the crash Thursday.
Per multiple media outlets, Alijah Arenas was in a Tesla Cybertruck early Thursday morning when the vehicle struck a fire hydrant and a tree in the Reseda area of the San Fernando Valley. The Los Angeles Times reported, citing a source, that drugs or alcohol were not suspected to be a factor in the accident.
The truck was on fire after the crash, and smoke inhalation was cited as a reason for his medically induced coma.
Arenas came out of the coma the next day.
Considered one of the top prospects of the Class of 2025, Arenas reportedly turned down offers from Arizona, Kansas, Kentucky and Louisville before committing to the Trojans.
Arenas is a 6-foot-6 guard who recently competed in the McDonald’s All-American Game and played basketball at Chatsworth High School in Los Angeles.
–Field Level Media
