Alijah Arenas Weighs Returning to USC Despite NBA Draft Buzz

Alijah Arenas, the 6-foot-6 guard from USC, faces a pivotal decision that could shape his basketball career. Experts project him as a mid-first-round to second-round NBA Draft pick, thanks to his size, versatility, and potential to make an immediate impact at the professional level.

Despite the buzz surrounding his draft prospects, Arenas is reportedly contemplating returning to USC for another season. His father, former NBA three-time All-Star Gilbert Arenas, revealed the discussion on “Hoopin’ N Hollerin’,” emphasizing that Alijah wants to prove he can lead the nation in scoring.

Arenas expressed to his father that he feels scouts have yet to fully recognize his talent, explaining that he would prefer to stay in college to showcase his abilities more thoroughly. Gilbert Arenas acknowledged his son’s commitment to his craft, highlighting the competitive mindset that drives him to refine his game.

For USC, the potential return of Arenas could be a game-changer. The Trojans are looking to improve on an 18-14 record, including 7-13 in the conference, and a deeper NCAA Tournament run could benefit from the presence of one of the team’s most promising young talents.

1. Draft Potential vs. College Goals

Many analysts see Arenas as NBA-ready, praising his combination of length, scoring ability, and versatility on both ends of the floor. His physical tools—standing 6-foot-6 with guard skills—make him a potential contributor at the next level immediately. Yet, Alijah is weighing the opportunity to refine his game further at USC. His goal is to lead college basketball in scoring, a personal benchmark he believes would strengthen his draft stock and solidify his place as one of the nation’s elite players. Gilbert Arenas shared that his son views the decision through the lens of craft over status. While a top-five NBA draft pick is attractive, Alijah prefers a chance to prove he can dominate at the collegiate level, believing that such a statement season would ensure he is evaluated accurately by scouts. This situation illustrates the broader dilemma facing top college players: whether to capitalize on current draft projections or take another year to develop skills, leadership, and draft positioning. Alijah’s decision could have implications not just for his career but also for USC’s trajectory next season.

2. Challenges of a First-Year Season

Arenas’ freshman year was marked by both promise and adversity. After being a five-star recruit out of high school, he suffered a meniscus injury that limited his on-court contributions. Compounding the setback, he was involved in a serious car accident that required months of hospitalization and rehabilitation. Despite these challenges, Arenas played 14 games for USC, averaging 14.1 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 2.1 assists. While these numbers show potential, they may not fully capture the skills and athleticism that make him an NBA prospect. USC’s overall performance also reflected the team’s struggles. With an 18-14 record and a 7-13 mark in the conference, the Trojans fell short of an NCAA Tournament appearance, highlighting the impact of injuries and limited depth. For Arenas, returning could allow him to build on his freshman experience, showcase durability, and provide leadership for a program eager to reclaim prominence in college basketball. Another year could help both player and team achieve unfinished goals.

3. Lessons from Gilbert Arenas

Gilbert Arenas has a personal perspective on the decision his son faces. During his own college career at Arizona, he spent two seasons with the Wildcats before entering the NBA Draft. After falling short in the national championship game against Duke, he declared for the draft and was selected 31st overall by the Golden State Warriors. The elder Arenas understands the pressure, expectations, and calculations involved in choosing between college and the NBA. He has shared this insight with Alijah, highlighting the balance between immediate opportunity and long-term preparation. For Alijah, the decision extends beyond statistics and accolades. It is about timing, readiness, and confidence in his abilities to compete at the next level. Staying at USC could allow him to refine his game and enter the draft with stronger credentials. Ultimately, the choice will define the next chapter of Arenas’ career. Whether he returns to USC or declares for the NBA, his path reflects both talent and thoughtful consideration of the challenges ahead.