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What does it take to follow in the footsteps of a basketball legend? For Alijah Arenas, the son of former NBA All-Star Gilbert Arenas, the answer is clear: commitment, hard work, and the right environment. Recently, Alijah made headlines by pledging his allegiance to the University of Southern California (USC) live on his father's podcast. This announcement not only thrilled Trojans fans but also hinted at his bright future in collegiate basketball and potentially the NBA.
A five-star shooting guard and a member of the prestigious McDonald's All-American team, Alijah has reclassified to the class of 2025, looking to expedite his journey to professional basketball. Standing tall at 6-foot-6 and hailing from Chatsworth High School, he possesses an impressive skill set that has garnered attention from coaches and scouts alike.
During his podcast appearance, Alijah made his commitment to USC crystal clear. He shared with his father and the audience, "For me, USC felt like the best fit. Going on campus and seeing how USC was, made me feel special. I think I could really go and play for USC." This heartfelt proclamation reflects not only his excitement but also a deep connection to the university, which is known for its competitive basketball program.
USC's basketball program is already making waves in the recruiting world. Alijah joins fellow top prospects Jerry Easter and Elzie Harrington in what is shaping up to be a formidable class of 2025. According to recruiting experts, this class currently ranks seventh in the nation, which indicates that Coach Eric Musselman is assembling a team that could make a significant impact in college basketball.
Analysts like 247Sports' Director of Scouting Adam Finkelstein have praised Alijah Arenas's game, highlighting his versatility as a scoring threat. Finkelstein noted that while Arenas may not always separate with his first move, his elite secondary moves, variety of offensive counters, and long-range shooting ability set him apart. With a natural touch and a unique shooting form, Alijah can find ways to score against tough defenses.
Defensively, Alijah’s size and length make him an asset; however, his lateral quickness has seen fluctuations as he continues to grow. Despite this, Finkelstein believes that Arenas has immense long-term potential and can evolve into a well-rounded player under the right mentorship.
One of the most notable aspects of Alijah's commitment is his desire to learn. He stated, "I feel like the best and biggest step for me is being coachable. Being willing to learn any and everything that I can." This attitude is crucial for any aspiring athlete, especially one looking to transition from high school to collegiate play. Under the guidance of coaches who have previously seen talent like Gilbert Arenas, Alijah is sure to receive the mentorship needed to sharpen his skills.
The excitement surrounding Alijah Arenas's decision to commit to USC serves as a reminder of the rich legacy of basketball talent in the family. As he embarks on this journey, fans are eager to see how his career unfolds at USC and whether he will ultimately make his mark in the NBA, just like his father. With the college basketball season approaching, all eyes will be on Alijah as he takes the first step in what promises to be an electrifying career.
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