Alijah Arenas just gave USC fans the best news they’ve heard since Eric Musselman took the job. After briefly testing the NBA draft waters, the 6-foot-6 guard decided to pull his name and head back to Galen Center for his sophomore year. It’s a decision that likely saved his draft stock from a "project" label and gives the Trojans a legitimate shot at the top of the Big Ten.
Most people expected Arenas to be a one-and-done lock. He had the five-star pedigree and the famous last name. But life doesn't care about your five-star rating. Between a terrifying Cybertruck crash in April 2025 and a subsequent knee surgery that required a meniscus repair, his freshman season was basically a race against time. He didn't even step on the court until January 21 against Northwestern. You can't miss 18 games and expect to be NBA-ready in three months.
The numbers don't lie about the rust
If you look at the raw stats, you see the flashes of brilliance that keep scouts awake at night. He put up 14.1 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 2.1 assists in 14 games. He dropped 29 on Illinois and 24 on Penn State. When he's on, he looks like a 6-foot-6 version of his dad with better defensive length.
But the efficiency was, quite frankly, a mess.
- Field goal percentage: 33%
- Three-point shooting: 22%
- Inside the arc: 37%
That’s not the profile of a lottery pick. That’s the profile of a guy who was playing catch-up in the most physical conference in the country while his knee was still figuring out how to be a knee again. Jumping to the league now would’ve meant a one-way ticket to the G-League and a lot of "what if" conversations. By coming back, he's betting on himself to prove that those 14 games were just a warm-up.
Why Musselman is the big winner here
Eric Musselman is a master of the transfer portal, but his best "recruit" this offseason didn't come from another school. Keeping Arenas alongside forward Jacob Cofie—who also withdrew from the draft—gives USC a continuity they desperately need.
Musselman’s system is notoriously demanding. It requires high-IQ play and defensive versatility. Arenas has the 7-foot wingspan to be a nightmare on the perimeter, but his freshman tape showed a lot of missed assignments and "drifting" on defense. Another year under Musselman’s coaching staff is going to fix those habits. If Arenas adds 10-15 pounds of muscle and tightens his handle, we’re talking about a potential top-five pick in 2027.
The Big Ten is a gauntlet of older, stronger guards. Last year, Arenas got bullied a bit in the paint, settling for tough, contested mid-range shots because he couldn't play through contact. Now, he gets a full offseason in a pro-level strength and conditioning program. That’s the difference between being a "microwave scorer" off the bench and a "franchise cornerstone."
What this means for the Trojans 2026-27 season
The backcourt is looking crowded in the best way possible. You've got Rodney Rice providing veteran stability, KJ Lewis bringing the energy, and now a healthy Alijah Arenas as the primary engine.
USC’s biggest issue last year was health and cohesion. They were a team of talented individuals who didn't know how to play together because the pieces kept breaking. With Arenas back, the floor opens up. Teams can't double-team the post if they have to worry about Alijah hitting a step-back three or using his length to finish over them.
Honestly, the "Agent Zero" comparisons are easy, but Alijah is his own player. He’s taller, more versatile defensively, and arguably more polished as a pure playmaker than Gilbert was at the same age. He just needs the reps. He needs the 30-plus games of a full season to show that his shooting percentages were a fluke caused by a lack of rhythm.
If you’re a USC fan, you’re breathing a sigh of relief. If you’re a Big Ten coach, you’re probably rewriting your scouting reports for next January. Arenas coming back isn't just a win for the Trojans; it’s a sign that the NIL era is actually working to keep elite talent in college longer, which is better for the game and better for the players' long-term bank accounts.
Keep an eye on the early season non-conference slate. If Arenas starts the year shooting over 40% from the field and showing improved defensive discipline, he’ll be the talk of every draft board by December. The talent was never the question—it was always about the timing.
For now, the plan is simple. Get in the weight room. Fix the jumper. Win the Big Ten. The NBA can wait.
