Eric Musselman knew well before he took the reins at USC that recruiting the Southland and its wellspring of hoops talent would be essential to his success with the Trojans.
“We have to recruit L.A.,” Musselman said after a game in December. “And not just recruit them a little bit. We have to recruit them relentlessly.”
That unrelenting approach on the recruiting trail had yet to fully resonate until Thursday, when five-star Chatsworth guard Alijah Arenas, one of the top uncommitted prospects in this year’s class, committed to the Trojans.
Arenas’ commitment marks the biggest recruiting victory of the Musselman era, the first five-star prospect to endorse the coach’s vision in L.A.
Arenas, the son of former NBA player Gilbert Arenas, is the No. 10 recruit in this year’s class and the second-ranked prospect in the state, according to 247 Sports. He picked USC over Arizona, among other schools.
“It felt like the best fit,” Arenas said while announcing his commitment on his father’s podcast, “Gil’s Arena.” “Seeing what USC was like, it made me feel special.”
Arenas, a 6-foot-6 guard, was named to the McDonald’s All-American game this week after reclassifying to become a senior. He’s averaging 31.8 points for Chatsworth in his third season for the Chancellors. The family decided to enroll him in a City Section public school rather than a private school in the hope it would help him improve as a leader and player facing double and triple teams.
Gilbert Arenas attended Grant High and Arizona, so USC’s success in recruiting Alijah might come as a surprise considering his father’s Arizona ties.
Arenas gives USC a trio of prospects in this year’s class, alongside top-50 guard Jerry Easter of Missouri and four-star St. John Bosco guard Elzie Harrington. They’ll join a roster next season that will look decidedly different. More than half the team will have exhausted its eligibility, making it even more critical that Musselman establish a foothold in Southern California.
With Arenas’ commitment, he’s on the right track.
Chatsworth High School standout Alijah Arenas has officially committed to play basketball for the USC Trojans, bringing his five-star talent to the Pac-12 powerhouse.
Arenas, a 6’4″ guard known for his scoring ability and defensive prowess, chose USC over several other top programs who were vying for his commitment. With his exceptional skill set and basketball IQ, he is expected to make an immediate impact for the Trojans.
USC head coach Andy Enfield expressed his excitement about adding Arenas to the roster, stating, “Alijah is a dynamic player who can score from anywhere on the court. His skill set and work ethic make him a perfect fit for our program, and we can’t wait to see what he accomplishes at USC.”
Arenas’ commitment is a major win for the Trojans and further solidifies their status as a contender in the Pac-12. USC fans can look forward to seeing Alijah Arenas light up the scoreboard and make a name for himself in the collegiate basketball world.
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