University Southern California Trojans
Alijah Arenas Completes First Practice With USC Men's Basketball
December 19, 2025 | Men's Basketball
LOS ANGELES – Alijah Arenas completed his first practice with USC Men's Basketball today, Dec. 19, as he works on his recovery from a knee injury that occurred over the summer.
"It was great to have him back with the rest of the guys," Head Coach Eric Musselman said. "He elevated practice today. He's got such a great basketball IQ and brings a tremendous amount of energy. It looked like he had been a part of practice for quite some time."
Since his injury, Arenas remained engaged. He has been working behind the scenes to help his team while preparing for his opportunity to return to the court, meeting with the coaching staff daily to learn USC's plays and discussing strategy.
"It feels great to be back," Arenas said. "I've been longing for it. I'm not getting off the court now."
Arenas will continue to work with the medical staff at USC as he progresses through rehab. The team hopes to have Arenas suited up for a game in mid-January.
Until then, Arenas and the Trojans will wrap up non-conference play on Sunday, Dec. 21, against the UC Santa Cruz Banana Slugs. Tip-off is scheduled for 1 p.m. in the Galen Center. Fans can watch on the Big Ten Network or listen on ESPN LA 710.
"It was great to have him back with the rest of the guys," Head Coach Eric Musselman said. "He elevated practice today. He's got such a great basketball IQ and brings a tremendous amount of energy. It looked like he had been a part of practice for quite some time."
Back to work. pic.twitter.com/4ewaJbrgIu
— USC Men's Basketball (@USC_Hoops) December 20, 2025
Since his injury, Arenas remained engaged. He has been working behind the scenes to help his team while preparing for his opportunity to return to the court, meeting with the coaching staff daily to learn USC's plays and discussing strategy.
"It feels great to be back," Arenas said. "I've been longing for it. I'm not getting off the court now."
Arenas will continue to work with the medical staff at USC as he progresses through rehab. The team hopes to have Arenas suited up for a game in mid-January.
Until then, Arenas and the Trojans will wrap up non-conference play on Sunday, Dec. 21, against the UC Santa Cruz Banana Slugs. Tip-off is scheduled for 1 p.m. in the Galen Center. Fans can watch on the Big Ten Network or listen on ESPN LA 710.
Players Mentioned
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