USC recruit Alijah Arenas expected to be released after car crash

Alijah Arenas, a highly ranked USC basketball recruit and son of former NBA star Gilbert Arenas, is expected to be released from the hospital soon after a fiery single-car crash in Southern California. According to updates shared on Gilbert Arenas' podcast, Alijah suffered no major injuries and is recovering well, now walking, talking, and making significant progress. The crash occurred early Thursday morning when Arenas, driving a Tesla Cybertruck, lost control and collided with a tree and fire hydrant in the Reseda area, leading to a vehicle fire. He was initially placed in a medically induced coma due to smoke inhalation but was taken out of the coma the next day and has since shown steady improvement. Arenas, considered one of the top prospects in the 2025 recruiting class, recently participated in the McDonald's All-American Game and has committed to USC. Authorities do not suspect drugs or alcohol were factors in the accident.