Alijah Arenas: Rising Star in College Basketball

USC forward Alijah Arenas has emerged as a significant player in college basketball following a challenging year marked by personal and physical setbacks. After a near-fatal car accident last April, which resulted in a medically induced coma due to smoke inhalation, and subsequent knee surgery that sidelined him for the first two months of the 2025-26 season, Arenas has made a remarkable comeback. In just six games this season, he has demonstrated his potential, notably scoring 29 points against Indiana and hitting a game-winning shot against Penn State with only 0.7 seconds remaining, leading USC to a 77-75 victory.

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Arenas, who was the No. 10 overall player in the 2025 recruiting cycle according to 247Sports, has quickly become a key player for the Trojans. His recent performances include back-to-back games where he scored over 20 points, averaging 26.5 points per game in his last two outings. His contributions have been pivotal in transforming USC's performance on the court, as noted by USC head coach Eric Musselman, who emphasized the importance of Arenas in clutch situations.

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In recognition of his outstanding performances, Arenas was named the Big Ten Freshman of the Week, becoming the first USC men's basketball player to receive this honor this season. His scoring ability and impact on the game have not only garnered attention from fans but also from analysts, with ESPN's Dick Vitale highlighting him as his "Diaper Dandy" of the week.

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Despite his success, Arenas's journey has not been without challenges. He missed the first 18 games of the season due to his knee injury, raising concerns about his long-term health and consistency. Critics may argue that while his recent performances are impressive, they come after a significant period of absence from competitive play, and it remains to be seen if he can maintain this level of performance throughout the remainder of the season.

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As the regular season progresses, USC is looking to build on its recent successes, with seven games remaining. The Trojans currently hold an 18-6 record and are positioned as a potential NCAA tournament team. Arenas's continued development and performance will be crucial as USC aims to secure a favorable position in the tournament.

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• “Alijah has been phenomenal for us obviously,” — Eric Musselman, USC Head Coach

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• “We wanted to put the ball in his hands at the end of the game.” — Eric Musselman, USC Head Coach

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Arenas's journey from adversity to becoming a standout freshman is a compelling narrative in college basketball, and his future in the sport appears promising as he continues to develop his skills and contribute to his team's success.

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