• Alijah Arenas, a five-star recruit for USC, was hospitalized after a serious car crash.
• The accident involved his Tesla Cybertruck, which struck a fire hydrant and a tree.
• He was placed in a medically induced coma but has recently shown signs of recovery.
• Family and friends, including his NBA star father, are rallying for his recovery.

Alijah Arenas, a star basketball recruit for the University of Southern California and son of former NBA All-Star Gilbert Arenas, was seriously injured in a car accident early Thursday morning. The incident occurred when Arenas, driving his Tesla Cybertruck, crashed into a fire hydrant and a tree around 4:56 a.m. in Reseda, Los Angeles. He was subsequently hospitalized and placed into a medically induced coma, though initial reports indicated he had no major bodily injuries, according to Reuters and CBS News.

Witnesses reported a dramatic scene, with one individual recalling hearing banging against the car window due to smoke inside the vehicle. Eyewitnesses attempted to rescue Arenas from the vehicle, which was on fire. Eventually, they managed to pull him to safety before fire crews arrived, according to accounts featured in Newsweek and Reuters.

As of April 25, Arenas has emerged from his medically induced coma, reportedly opening his eyes and communicating, which indicates a positive turn in his condition. A statement from his family highlighted that he asked about the well-being of others following the accident, a crucial sign of progress in his recovery, according to Reuters.

Tributes and well-wishes have poured in from the basketball community, including messages from his college coach and notable former athletes, demonstrating strong support for Arenas and his family during this difficult time. The young athlete, recognized as one of the nation’s top prospects for the Class of 2025, is anticipated to play for USC next season, according to CBS News and Newsweek.