Gilbert Arenas’ Son Alijah Arenas in Coma After Car Crash

On the morning of April 24, 2025, the basketball world was shaken by devastating news: Alijah Arenas, an 18-year-old five-star recruit and USC commit, was involved in a serious car accident. The young athlete, who is the son of former NBA All-Star Gilbert Arenas, was hospitalized and placed in an induced coma, according to a report by ESPN’s Shams Charania. As the news spread across social media, fans, athletes, and the broader sports community came together to offer prayers and support for Alijah and his family during this challenging time.

A Rising Star with Big Dreams

Alijah Arenas has been a name to watch in the basketball recruiting scene for years. Ranked as the second-best shooting guard in his class, Alijah reclassified from the 2026 to the 2025 recruiting cycle earlier this year, a move that showcased his readiness to take on the next level of competition. In January 2025, he committed to the USC Trojans, joining a program led by coach Eric Musselman, who has been steadily building a powerhouse in Southern California. Alijah’s decision to join USC was a coup for the Trojans, who beat out stiff competition from programs like Arizona and Kentucky—schools that were also on his radar, with Arizona holding a personal connection as the alma mater of his father, Gilbert Arenas.

Alijah’s talent on the court is undeniable. Known for his scoring ability and athleticism, he has drawn comparisons to his father, a former NBA scoring machine who made three All-Star teams during his career. Alijah’s potential has been highlighted in moments like his father’s claim that he “cooked” NBA player Naz Reid in a pickup game in front of Kevin Durant—an anecdote that only added to the hype surrounding the young star. Fans were eagerly awaiting his college debut with USC, and many projected him as a future NBA draft pick, potentially as early as 2027.

The Accident and Its Aftermath

Details of the crash remain scarce, but the severity of the incident is evident from Alijah’s condition. An induced coma, as explained by Synapse, a brain injury resource, is a medical procedure often used in cases of traumatic brain injury (TBI) to protect the brain from secondary damage. By reducing brain activity and swelling, doctors aim to give the body time to heal while minimizing the risk of long-term neurological damage. According to a 2019 study published in the Journal of Neurotrauma, approximately 50-60% of patients with severe TBIs who are placed in induced comas survive, though recovery outcomes can vary widely depending on the extent of the injury.

The Road Ahead

While Alijah’s prognosis remains uncertain, the use of an induced coma suggests that his medical team is taking every precaution to ensure the best possible outcome. Following emergence from a coma, patients often experience a period of post-traumatic amnesia (PTA), which, along with the duration of the coma, can indicate the severity of the brain injury and potential long-term effects. For an athlete like Alijah, whose career depends on physical and mental sharpness, the coming weeks and months will be critical in determining his path forward.
The basketball community has seen its share of tragedy, with a Wikipedia list of notable figures who have died in traffic collisions serving as a sobering reminder of the risks on the road. Thankfully, Alijah’s story is not yet one of loss, and there is hope that he can make a full recovery. Advances in medical technology and trauma care have improved outcomes for TBI patients significantly over the past few decades, and Alijah is in the hands of professionals who are likely doing everything they can to support his healing.

A Call for Support and Reflection

Alijah’s accident serves as a stark reminder of how quickly life can change, even for those on the cusp of greatness. It also highlights the importance of road safety, particularly for young people who may feel invincible behind the wheel. The basketball community’s response has been heartwarming, with fans and players alike rallying around the Arenas family. As we await further updates, let’s continue to send positive thoughts their way and reflect on the fragility of life—and the strength of community in times of crisis.
If you’d like to share your own messages of support for Alijah and the Arenas family, feel free to do so in the comments below or on social media using the hashtag #PrayersForAlijah. Together, we can hope for a future where Alijah Arenas is back on the court, chasing his dreams.

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