Chicago Bulls forward Luol Deng guards Washington Wizards guard Gilbert Arenas. Credit: IMAGN/TMZ

'It Felt Like The Best Fit': Alijah Arenas Speaks On Choosing USC Trojans As College Destination

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Dan Agulto | Last updated Jan 31, 2025 10:58 AM ET

Alijah Arenas , son of former NBA All-Star former Washington Wizards star Gilbert Arenas, officially announced that he is going to play for the USC Trojans for college, as he is set to finish his senior year in high school soon. With this decision, he is set to be under the care and coaching of Eric Musselman, who was one of the coaches his father had in the NBA.

In one of the episodes of his dad’s podcast, “Gil’s Arena,” Alijah Arenas opened up about his excitement about going to USC and the idea of being coached by the same coach who once worked with his father.

ALIJAH ARENAS COMMITS TO USC pic.twitter.com/oJ1dPvr32O

— Gilbert Arenas (@GilsArenaShow) January 30, 2025

“For me, it felt like the best fit,” Alijah said. “Going on campus [and] seeing how being at USC was like, it just made me feel special. And then talked to the coach, and like, seeing what I could possibly be in, it was just amazing for me.”

Alijah added: “So, I think I could really go and go play for USC.”

Eric Musselman coached Gilbert Arenas during the 2002-2003 NBA season when Musselman was the head coach of the Golden State Warriors. He started his coaching career as an assistant coach for the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Orlando Magic, and the Atlanta Hawks. Aside from the Warriors, he also became the head coach of the Sacramento Kings at one point.

Who is Alijah Arenas?

Alijah Arenas is a budding basketball star who is carving a path for himself, apart from just being the son of a former NBA All-Star. He has three siblings: Izela, Hamiley, and Aloni Arenas. He is a five-star recruit and one of the top players in the class of 2025. Alijah is currently a senior at Chatsworth High School in Chatsworth, California, where he has made a name for himself as a top basketball prospect.

Chatsworth’s Alijah Arenas (0) looks to make a pass during the game against Western Christian in the Capitol City Classic on Thursday, Dec. 19, 2024 in Salem, Ore.

His father, Gilbert Arenas, played professionally in the NBA for 11 seasons. He spent most of his career with the Washington Wizards, where he played from 2003-2010, and where he earned the nickname “Agent Zero,” as a recognition of him being one of the league’s top scorers in his time.

More recently, Alijah Arenas has been recognized as a McDonald’s All-American and is considered one of the top shooting guards in his class.

Alijah Arenas. Photo credits: @alijah0arenas

During his time at Chatsworth High School, Alijah Arenas made a name for himself as a strong scorer, averaging 31.8 points per game and 7.5 rebounds.

This article first appeared on Hardwood Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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