Who is Alijah Arenas?
Alijah Arenas is a highly touted American high school basketball player and the son of former NBA All-Star Gilbert Arenas. Born on March 16, 2007, in Oakland, California, Alijah has emerged as one of the top shooting guard prospects in the nation. He played for Chatsworth High School in Los Angeles, where he showcased his scoring prowess and athleticism. In January 2025, he committed to play college basketball at the University of Southern California (USC), choosing the Trojans over other prestigious programs like Arizona, Kansas, Kentucky, and Louisville. Alijah was selected to participate in the 2025 McDonald’s All-American Boys Game, highlighting his status as a premier talent in his class.
❤️ Personal Life
Alijah Arenas, born on March 16, 2007, in Oakland, California, is the son of former NBA All-Star Gilbert Arenas and television personality Laura Govan. Raised in the Woodland Hills neighborhood of Los Angeles, Alijah attended Chatsworth High School, where he became a standout basketball player, averaging 33 points and 8.6 rebounds per game as a sophomore. His exceptional talent led him to reclassify to the 2025 recruiting class, making him one of the top prospects in the nation.
Alijah’s relationship with his father is notably close. In a conversation with his father on the “Gil’s Arena” podcast, Alijah expressed how comfortable he feels discussing various topics with Gilbert, highlighting the strong bond they share. He also mentioned that his father’s game-winning 3-pointer against the Utah Jazz is his favorite highlight, and he often imagines replicating that moment on the court.
In addition to his basketball endeavors, Alijah has shown support for his girlfriend through social media, sharing a post encouraging his followers to vote for her in her school’s Homecoming Queen campaign. This gesture reflects his supportive nature and involvement in his personal relationships.
As of April 2025, Alijah committed to play college basketball at the University of Southern California (USC), choosing to stay close to home and join the Trojans’ program. His decision was announced during a live segment on his father’s podcast, where he FaceTimed USC coach Eric Musselman to share the news.
Tragically, on April 24, 2025, Alijah was involved in a serious car accident in Los Angeles while driving his Tesla Cybertruck. The crash resulted in a fire, and Alijah was hospitalized and placed into a medically induced coma. Fortunately, initial tests indicated that he did not suffer any broken bones, but his condition remains serious. The sports community has rallied in support, and fans are hopeful for his swift and full recovery.
💘 Love Story
Alijah Arenas has been in a relationship with his girlfriend, Jaydenn, since at least November 2024. The couple has shared several moments on social media, including a Thanksgiving post where Alijah expressed his gratitude with a four-word message: “Very Thankful pretty girl ❤️❤️❤️” . They’ve also been seen together during a family trip to Paris, where they shared a photo in front of the Eiffel Tower .
Their relationship appears to be supportive and affectionate, with Alijah often sharing posts that highlight their bond. While they maintain a relatively low profile, their public displays of affection suggest a strong and healthy relationship.
🧒 Childhood
Born on March 16, 2007, in Oakland, California, Alijah Arenas grew up in a household where basketball was more than just a game—it was a way of life. Raised in the Woodland Hills neighborhood of Los Angeles, his early years were deeply influenced by his father, Gilbert Arenas, a former NBA superstar. From a young age, Alijah demonstrated an affinity for the sport, often seen practicing drills or attending games with his father. However, his upbringing wasn’t just about basketball. Gilbert ensured Alijah had a balanced childhood, including time for education, fun, and developing values like humility and discipline.
Unlike many young athletes who attend elite private schools, Alijah enrolled in Chatsworth High School, a public school, to stay grounded and avoid the sense of entitlement that sometimes comes with fame. His father’s parenting philosophy greatly shaped his personality—encouraging effort, character, and resilience over hype. Those early lessons are now evident in the way Alijah handles media attention and navigates the pressures of being one of the nation’s top high school basketball players.
📚 Early Life and Education
Alijah Arenas was born in Oakland, California, and raised in the Woodland Hills neighborhood of Los Angeles. From a young age, basketball was a central part of his life—unsurprisingly, given that his father is Gilbert Arenas, a three-time NBA All-Star. Alijah displayed talent early and chose to attend Chatsworth High School, where he would quickly rise through the ranks as one of the nation’s top high school players.
As a sophomore, he averaged 33 points and 8.6 rebounds per game, earning national attention. He later reclassified from the class of 2026 to the class of 2025 to accelerate his path to college basketball. His decision to commit to USC over other top programs like Arizona, Kansas, Kentucky, and Louisville speaks to both his talent and aspirations.
👨👩👦 Family
Alijah comes from a high-profile athletic lineage. His father, Gilbert Arenas, was an NBA All-Star known for his explosive scoring and charismatic personality during his time with the Washington Wizards. Gilbert has been a significant influence in Alijah’s life—both as a parent and as a mentor. He has publicly discussed his decision to enroll Alijah in public school to ensure he stayed grounded and didn’t “take plays off.”
Little is publicly known about Alijah’s mother, and he seems to prefer keeping much of his personal life private, especially concerning family matters beyond his father.
🧬 Detailed Bio Table
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Alijah Arenas |
| Date of Birth | March 16, 2007 |
| Age (as of 2025) | 18 years old |
| Birthplace | Oakland, California, U.S. |
| Hometown | Woodland Hills, Los Angeles, California |
| Height | 6 ft 6 in (198 cm) |
| Weight | 195 lbs (88 kg) |
| Position | Shooting Guard |
| High School | Chatsworth High School (Chatsworth, California) |
| College Commitment | University of Southern California (USC) |
| Parents | Gilbert Arenas (father), Laura Govan (mother) |
| Siblings | Izela, Hamiley, Aloni (full siblings); Gia (half-sister) |
| Net Worth (2025) | Estimated NIL valuation of $720,000 |
| Notable Achievements | McDonald’s All-American (2025); Reclassified to 2025 graduating class |
🌟 Alijah Arenas’ Career Journey
Alijah Arenas has quickly become one of the most electrifying young basketball talents in the country. From an early age, it was clear that basketball ran in his blood—his father, Gilbert Arenas, is a former NBA All-Star, and Alijah has consistently shown that he’s ready to carve out his own legacy. His career truly began to take shape at Chatsworth High School in Los Angeles, where he chose to attend a public school rather than an elite basketball academy, staying grounded and focused on development over hype.
During his sophomore year, Alijah made headlines by averaging 30.4 points per game, quickly becoming one of the top scorers in California. His dominance continued into his junior year, where he improved his numbers and presence on the court, finishing the season averaging over 33 points per game along with impressive assists and rebounds. He became known for his elite scoring ability, basketball IQ, and leadership, often drawing double teams yet still finding ways to excel.
His talent earned him a place on the 2024 McDonald’s All-American Team, one of the highest honors for a high school player in the U.S., and he was ranked among the Top 10 national recruits by ESPN and 247Sports. In 2024, Alijah committed to play college basketball at USC, choosing the Trojans over offers from powerhouse programs like UCLA, Arizona, and Oregon.
Tragically, just as his star was rising even higher, Alijah was hospitalized in April 2025 following a serious car accident. Despite this setback, his work ethic, support system, and resilience suggest he will fight through recovery with the same determination that’s fueled his career. His story is still being written, and many believe it’s only a matter of time before Alijah Arenas follows in his father’s footsteps to the NBA.
🏀 Alijah Arenas Career Timeline
| Year | Age | Career Milestone |
|---|---|---|
| 2007 | 0 | Born in Oakland, California. |
| 2015 | 8 | Began playing organized basketball, coached and mentored by his father, Gilbert Arenas. |
| 2021 | 14 | Enrolled at Chatsworth High School, Los Angeles. |
| 2022–23 | 15–16 | Sophomore year: Averaged 30.4 points per game; emerged as a breakout basketball star. |
| 2023–24 | 16–17 | Junior year: Averaged over 33 points per game; gained national attention. |
| 2024 | 17 | Named to McDonald’s All-American Team; ranked among Top 10 national high school recruits. |
| 2024 | 17 | Committed to play college basketball for the USC Trojans (University of Southern California). |
| 2025 | 18 | Involved in serious car accident in April; currently recovering in hospital. |
This table provides a snapshot of Alijah Arenas’ rise as one of the most promising young basketball players in the U.S. Let me know if you’d like an expanded version or one focusing on game statistics or achievements!
📰 Latest News:
On April 24, 2025, Alijah Arenas, the 18-year-old son of former NBA All-Star Gilbert Arenas and a top basketball recruit committed to the University of Southern California (USC), was involved in a severe car accident in Los Angeles. Driving a Tesla Cybertruck, the vehicle crashed around 4:55 a.m., resulting in a fire. Alijah was hospitalized and placed into a medically induced coma due to smoke inhalation, though reports indicate he did not suffer any broken bones or significant bodily injuries.
The basketball community has rallied in support, with fans and fellow athletes expressing their concern and well-wishes for Alijah’s recovery. His father, Gilbert Arenas, known for his own illustrious NBA career, has been by his side during this challenging time. Alijah’s commitment to USC and his recent participation in the McDonald’s All-American Game had positioned him as one of the nation’s most promising young talents. The incident has cast a shadow over the basketball world, with many hoping for positive news regarding his condition in the coming days.
As of now, there have been no official updates on Alijah’s condition since the initial reports. The situation remains critical, and the sports community continues to monitor developments closely, hoping for a full and swift recovery for the young athlete.
📱 Social Media Accounts
| Platform | Handle / Link |
|---|---|
| TikTok | @swishcultures |
| Not publicly available | |
| Not publicly available |
Note: Alijah maintains a relatively private social media presence.
📏 Height & Physical Appearance
Standing at 6 feet 6 inches (198 cm) and weighing 195 pounds (88 kg), Alijah Arenas possesses an ideal build for a shooting guard. His impressive 7-foot wingspan and 8-foot-9 standing reach give him a significant advantage on both ends of the court. Known for his smooth scoring ability, athleticism, and defensive versatility, Alijah’s physical attributes have been a key factor in his rise as a top basketball prospect.
For more insights into the journeys of rising sports stars, you can check out our detailed article on João Fonseca, another athlete making waves in his respective field. This profile explores his early life, career milestones, and current endeavors, offering a similar perspective to that of Alijah Arenas.
Additionally, for those interested in other prominent young athletes making their mark internationally, take a look at our piece on Alexandra Eala on Echo Biographies. Eala’s career as a tennis player reflects her dedication and rise in the world of sports, drawing parallels with Alijah’s promising basketball career.
💰 Net Worth as of 2025
As of 2025, Alijah Arenas has an estimated Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) valuation of $720,000, ranking him among the top high school athletes in terms of marketability. His commitment to USC and participation in high-profile events like the McDonald’s All-American Game have significantly boosted his visibility and potential earning power.
FAQS
Q: How many baby moms does Gilbert Arenas have?
A: Gilbert Arenas has children with at least one known partner, Laura Govan, his longtime ex-girlfriend and former reality TV star.
Q: Is Alijah Arenas committed?
A: Yes, Alijah Arenas is committed to play college basketball at the University of Southern California (USC).
Q: Who is Gilbert Arenas’s wife?
A: Gilbert Arenas is not currently married. He was previously in a high-profile relationship with Laura Govan, with whom he shares four children.
Q: Is Alijah Arenas Gilbert Arenas’ son?
A: Yes, Alijah Arenas is the son of former NBA All-Star Gilbert Arenas.
