The basketball world stands in stunned solidarity following news that Alijah Arenas, the 18-year-old son of former NBA star Gilbert Arenas, was involved in a devastating car crash.
The five-star USC commit’s Tesla Cybertruck collided with a tree and a fire hydrant around 4:56 a.m. PT (7:56 a.m. ET) early Thursday morning in Reseda, Calif., resulting in a crash that left the young prospect hospitalized and placed in an induced coma due to smoke inhalation.
As tributes flood social media platforms, Kiyan Anthony, son of NBA legend Carmelo Anthony and a rising star himself, led the outpouring of support with a heartfelt Instagram story stating, “Prayers up Brodie 🙏❤️” alongside an image reporting Arenas’ condition. This powerful show of solidarity highlights the tight-knit nature of basketball’s next generation as the hoops community awaits updates on the talented prospect’s condition.
Basketball Community Rallies Around the Arenas Family
Anthony’s tribute, shared with his substantial social media following, has catalyzed a wave of support from top basketball prospects nationwide. The Chatsworth High star’s situation has struck a particularly resonant chord among fellow elite recruits who understand the delicate balance of athletic promise and life’s fragility.
“Prayers for Alijah Arenas and his family!! I hope he’s going to be alright,” wrote an X user.
Neighbor footage revealed the terrifying moments when the Tesla Cybertruck became engulfed in flames, with bystanders rushing to pull Arenas from the wreckage before firefighters arrived.
The vehicle later reignited at a tow yard, requiring hazmat intervention. Authorities are examining excessive speed as a primary factor in the crash, though no drugs or alcohol were detected in preliminary tests.
Medical professionals have described the induced coma as a reversible, drug-induced protocol specifically implemented to protect brain function during recovery.
Official Responses From Family and USC
USC Coach Eric Musselman has broken the institution’s silence, tweeting, “Our thoughts and prayers are with Alijah and his family.” The university has otherwise declined further comment, citing Arenas’ status as a prospective student-athlete rather than a current enrollee.
This measured response contrasts with the emotional reactions from Arenas’ family, with father Gilbert Arenas canceling his April 24 podcast episode and mother Laura Govan requesting prayers through an Instagram post.
Ranked as the 10th best prospect by 247Sports and 13th by ESPN in the 2025 class, Arenas made headlines when he reclassified from 2026 to 2025 last December.
His commitment to USC in January represented a major recruiting victory for the Trojans, who have assembled an impressive recruiting class that includes Bryce James, son of NBA superstar LeBron James.
“18 and on the way to USC. Life is not fair sometimes. Hoping his recovery is quick and full,” commented an X user, reflecting the sentiment of many who have followed the young star’s promising career.
Arenas decided to join USC after receiving offers from basketball powerhouses including Kentucky, Kansas, and Arizona, further demonstrating his elite-level talent.
The basketball community’s focus remains firmly on Arenas’ health rather than his athletic future. An X user stated, “Nothing but love for the Arenas family right now. [NFL] Draft doesn’t matter right now.”
No updates have emerged regarding when Arenas might regain consciousness or resume basketball activities, leaving the sports world concerned. The NCAA community continues to show unwavering support for the Arenas family during this difficult time, demonstrating that some things transcend competition and rivalries.
