USC Recruit Alijah Arenas Released From Hospital After Cybertruck Crash

The son of former NBA star Gilbert Arenas is ’resting comfortably' after being placed in a medically induced coma after the April 24 accident.

The University of Southern California in Los Angeles on March 11, 2020. Frederic J. Brown/AFP via Getty Images

Top USC basketball recruit Alijah Arenas, who was placed in a medically induced coma after being injured in a Tesla Cybertruck crash, has been released from a hospital less than a week after the accident.

The 18-year-old is the son of former NBA star Gilbert Arenas and reality TV star Laura Govan.

“We are grateful to share that Alijah Arenas has been released from the hospital and is now resting comfortably under close watch,” the family said in an April 30 statement.

“While his journey to full recovery is just beginning, his spirit remains strong, and he is surrounded by love and support. The Govan and Arenas family are preparing for the road ahead with faith and determination, committed to nurturing Alijah back to 100 percent. He remains blessed, resilient, and in high spirits.”

Alijah Arenas was driving home from the gym on April 24 in Los Angeles when he lost control of his vehicle, striking a tree and a fire hydrant. He was taken to a hospital in serious condition.

Prior to his son’s release from the hospital, Gilbert Arenas and cohost Josiah Johnson gave an update on his condition during an episode of the “Gil’s Arena” podcast.

“Happy to announce that Alijah’s doing much better,” Johnson said. “Walking, talking, progressing very well, should be released from the hospital very soon. No major injuries as a result of the car accident.”

Johnson noted medical personnel placed Alijah in a coma as a “precautionary measure due to smoke inhalation.” An official cause of the crash has yet to be released.

Gilbert Arenas owns and runs the podcast in partnership with Underdog Fantasy Sports, an online daily fantasy sports website and app.

“Our hearts are with our friend and Underdog partner Gilbert Arenas in this difficult moment,” the company wrote on X. “We ask the ‘Gil’s Arena’ and Underdog communities to please keep Alijah and the entire family in your thoughts.”

Alijah Arenas is the No. 13-ranked recruit in the class of 2025 and committed to the USC Trojans in January.

Alijah Arenas seen on the court during the 48th Annual McDonald's All-American Games with halftime performance from GloRilla at Barclays Center in New York City on April 1, 2025. Natasha Campos/Getty Images for McDonald's

The five-star recruit attends Chatsworth High School in Los Angeles, and became the first boys’ player in the area to score 3,000 career points.

Gilbert Arenas was the 31st overall pick by the Golden State Warriors in the 2001 NBA draft.

The three-time NBA All-Star also played for the Orlando Magic and Memphis Grizzlies, but spent most of his 12-year career with the Washington Wizards.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.