The sports world is no stranger to the concept of legacy, particularly in basketball, where names like LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, and Michael Jordan are synonymous with greatness. However, a new generation of talent is quickly emerging, and one name that is capturing attention is Alijah Arenas, the son of former NBA star Gilbert Arenas. At just 17 years old, Alijah is already rewriting history and surpassing the records set by his father, creating a buzz that suggests he may soon be the next big thing in basketball.
A Phenomenal Rise in High School Basketball
Alijah Arenas journey began in Los Angeles, where he has already become a household name thanks to his exceptional performances on the basketball court. As a senior at Chatsworth High School, Alijah has been dominating the citys basketball scene, earning praise for his versatile game and elite scoring ability. In fact, Alijah recently broke a major record held by his father, becoming the alltime leading scorer in the LA City Section with 2,614 points, surpassing Gilberts record of 2,124 points. This milestone, which occurred just three years into his high school career, highlights his immense talent and potential.
What makes Alijahs accomplishments even more impressive is his ability to consistently put up impressive numbers. Averaging 31.8 points per game, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.3 assists, he has shown that his game extends far beyond just scoring. With his 66 frame, Alijah is not only a formidable scorer but also a strong presence on both ends of the court, making him a highly coveted prospect for collegiate programs and professional scouts alike.
The Future is Bright: Committing to USC
As his high school career approaches its end, Alijah has already set his sights on the future. In January 2025, Alijah announced his commitment to play college basketball for the University of Southern California USC, one of the premier programs in the country. This decision marks a significant step in his journey to the NBA, as USC has become known for producing toptier talent, and Alijah has the potential to follow in the footsteps of players like LeBron James son, Bronny James, who also played for the Trojans before heading to the NBA.
Alijahs decision to join USC is not just about following in the footsteps of his father or his peers; it is a testament to his belief in his own abilities and vision for the future. In a recent interview, Alijah shared how the campus and the coaching staff at USC made him feel special, and he expressed confidence in his ability to thrive at the collegiate level. With his talent, work ethic, and commitment to improving, its clear that Alijah is poised to make an immediate impact at USC and beyond.
A RecordBreaking Year
Alijahs rise has been marked by a series of recordbreaking feats. Along with surpassing his fathers scoring record, Alijah is also earning accolades from experts in the basketball world. He has been ranked as a fivestar recruit and is currently considered one of the top high school basketball players in the country. His recent reclassification from the 2026 class to the 2025 class has only added to the excitement surrounding his future, as it puts him in the mix with some of the best young players in the nation.
What sets Alijah apart from other young talents is not just his scoring ability but also his basketball IQ and versatility. His ability to read the game and make adjustments on the fly allows him to outmaneuver defenders and create opportunities for his teammates. This level of skill and maturity at such a young age is rare, and it has led to comparisons between him and other NBA legends who dominated the game at a similar age.
Will He Surpass His Fathers NBA Legacy?
Gilbert Arenas, known for his dynamic scoring ability and his threetime AllStar career in the NBA, has been nothing short of a basketball icon. However, Alijahs rise to prominence has sparked a debatecould he surpass his fathers legacy? While its still too early to tell, the trajectory of Alijahs career suggests that he has the potential to do just that.
As a player who has already eclipsed his fathers high school records and committed to a toptier college program, Alijah seems to be on track to surpass Gilberts achievements in the NBA. While Gilberts career was filled with memorable moments and standout performances, Alijah has already demonstrated that he has the tools to not only meet but exceed these expectations.
Looking Ahead
As Alijah continues his journey to USC and beyond, all eyes will be on him. His commitment to improving, his natural talent, and his ability to break records at such a young age all point to a future filled with promise. While comparisons to his father are inevitable, Alijah Arenas is quickly carving out his own identity in the basketball world.
For Gilbert Arenas, the proud father, it must be a surreal experience to watch his son follow in his footsteps while simultaneously blazing his own trail. Whether Alijah surpasses his fathers NBA career remains to be seen, but one thing is for surethis is just the beginning of what promises to be an incredible career.
As Alijah gears up for his college basketball debut, the future of this rising star looks brighter than ever. The legacy of Gilbert Arenas may be just the starting point for his son, and fans are eager to see what comes next.