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Alijah Arenas update: USC commit's recovery takes major step after car accident

by: Alex Byington04/30/25_AlexByington
2026 guard Alijah Arenas (photo credit - USA Basketball)
(Photo Credit: USA Basketball)

USC commit Alijah Arenas has been released from the hospital less than a week after a fiery car crash involving his Telsa Cybertruck that forced him into a brief medically-induced coma, according to TMZ.

Arenas, the son of former NBA superstar Gilbert Arenas, was intubated and placed in a medically-induced coma as doctors treated him for high levels of carbon dioxide ingestion after suffering extreme smoke inhalation when he was temporarily stuck inside his Cybertruck after it went up in flames following a horrific wreck Thursday morning, per TMZ.

TMZ Sports released a joint statement from the Arenas and Govan families which reveal the 18-year-old prospect is “now resting comfortably under close watch.”

“While his journey to full recovery is just beginning, his spirit remains strong, and he is surrounded by love and support,” the family told TMZ Sports on Wednesday. “The Govan and Arenas family are preparing for the road ahead with faith and determination, committed to nurturing Alijah back to 100%. He remains blessed, resilient, and in high spirits.”

TMZ previously obtained a video of the moments immediately following Arena’s wreck as he was ripped away from a Tesla Cybertruck, which was already engulfed in flames. Arenas was then spotted rolling around in a puddle as a fire hydrant was gushing water after being involved in the accident.

You can check out the full scene via TMZ here. WARNING – This video contains graphic content

More on five-star USC commit Alijah Arenas

Alijah Arenas is a five-star prospect who played high school basketball at Chatsworth (CA). He ranks as the No. 12 overall player and No. 3 shooting guard in the 2025 cycle according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

“Arenas, the son of former NBA All-Star Gilbert Arenas, announced he was reclassifying from the 2026 class into the 2025 class this past January,” On3’s Jamie Shaw said in a scouting report. “This season the 6-foot-5 guard is averaging 31.8 points on 54.8 percent shooting for Chatsworth (CA) High.

“Arenas is coming off a strong showing at the USA Basketball Junior National Team mini-camp and proved his scoring chops in the Adidas 3SSB Circuit 17U Finale averaging 21.7 points on 48.0 percent shooting from three for the week. Arenas debuted in the 2025 On3 150 at No. 10 when he reclassified in January and moved to No. 7 in this recent update.”

Arenas has earned multiple honors throughout his high school career, including being named a McDonald’s All-American. In December, he broke the single-game scoring record at The Classic at Damien event, scoring 56 points at the high-profile California tournament.

— On3’s Griffin McVeigh and Chandler Vessels contributed to this report.