Top hoops recruit out of coma, making progress after car crash

Southern California high school basketball commit Alijah Arenas, the son of former NBA player Gilbert Arenas, is out of an induced coma after he was involved in a car crash on Thursday, according to a statement from his family.  

The statement says that Arenas remains intubated but was earlier able to open his eyes and write on a piece of paper.

‘The family continues to ask for the public’s prayers and support as their miracle baby fights his way back to a full recovery,’ the statement said. ‘Further updates will be shared as Alijah continues to heal.’

Arenas, a five-star guard, had been placed in an induced coma after the accident, which happened in the Los Angeles suburb of Reseda.

According to the Los Angeles Police Department, a Tesla Cybertruck driven by an 18-year-old driver crashed into a tree and a fire hydrant in a single-vehicle crash at 4:55 a.m.

Arenas was later identified as the occupant in that vehicle and was transported to a local hospital in serious condition.

Arenas, who was selected to participate in the 2025 McDonald’s All-American Game, said in January he would commit to USC after his senior campaign at Chatsworth High School after having reclassified in December

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