USC commit Alijah Arenas, the son of former NBA star Gilbert Arenas, is out of his induced coma and showed “significant signs of progress in the last 24 hours” following a single-vehicle crash in San Fernando Valley on Thursday morning, according to a family statement given to ESPN.
Arenas, 18, opened his eyes and was able to write on a piece of paper that he remembered the smoke and asked, “Did anyone get hurt?” his family said.
The USC men’s basketball commit remains intubated and with his family by his side.
“Although he remains intubated, this progress marks a critical step forward in his recovery,” the statement said.
Alijah Arenas seen on the court during the 48th Annual McDonald’s All-American Games with halftime performance from GloRilla at Barclays Center on April 1, 2025 in New York City. Getty Images for McDonald'sThe family included a first-hand encounter from a bystander that helped remove Arenas from the burning vehicle.
“‘I remember hearing banging on the car window, but I couldn’t see anything because the smoke was so thick. That’s when I realized someone was inside,'” the person is quoted as saying. “‘I tried to break the window, but it wouldn’t give. Then I saw one of the windows was cracked just enough and we used everything we had to bend it and pull him out. The car was on fire. We just knew we had to get him out.'”
A cause for the crash has been not been disclosed as of Friday.
“This act of courage, along with Alijah’s incredible will to survive, has been nothing short of miraculous,” the family’s statement continued. “The family continues to ask for the public’s prayers and support as their miracle baby fights his way back to a full recovery. They remain deeply grateful for the exceptional care provided by his medical team and the overwhelming love and encouragement from the community.”
The incident occurred shortly before 5 a.m. Thursday, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.
A Tesla Cybertruck crashed into a tree/fire hydrant with fire involved, and the driver was transported to the hospital in serious condition, the L.A. Fire Department said.
Chatsworth High School basketball player Alijah Arenas, left, talks to his dad, former NBA player Gilbert Arenas before a CIF State Division IV championship basketball game in Sacramento on March 9, 2024. APArenas, who is a guard at Chatsworth High School in Los Angeles, played in the 48th Annual McDonald’s All-American Games at Barclays Center earlier this month.
He committed to the Trojans in January.
USC men’s basketball coach Eric Musselman sent prayers to Arenas and his family in a statement on X.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Alijah and his family following this morning’s accident,” the statement read. “Please keep him, his teammates and friends, and the entire Arenas family in your prayers.”
GIlbert cancelled his “Gil’s Arena” podcast Thursday.
