Trojans fans knew the wait would be worth it, but I don’t think anyone expected Alijah Arenas to set the Big Ten on fire this quickly. After a grueling recovery from a pre-season injury that forced him to miss the first 18 games of the season, the five-star freshman hasn’t just returned—he’s completely shifted the gravity of USC basketball.
Since making his long-awaited debut on January 21 against Northwestern, Arenas has started all six games he’s appeared in. While his season averages sit at 13.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 1.8 assists, those numbers are deceptive. They include his debut against the Wildcats, where he finished with 8 points, 2 assists, and 2 steals while getting his legs back under him.
However, over the last three games, we aren’t just seeing a good freshman; we’re seeing a superstar in the making.
The Scorching Three-Game Stretch
Arenas is currently averaging a staggering 26 points per game over his last three outings. Here is how the Alijah Era has truly begun:
1. The Statement: 29 Points vs. Indiana
Against the Hoosiers, Arenas showed exactly why he was a top recruit. He exploded for 29 points to lead USC to an 81-75 victory. He was the engine of the offense, proving he could handle the physical defensive pressure of the Big Ten right out of the gate.
2. The Ice Man: 24 Points vs. Penn State
If the Indiana game was about scoring, the Penn State game was about clutch performance. In a back-and-forth 77-75 win, Alijah took over when it mattered most, finishing with 24 points and showing a veteran-like ability to close out tight games.
3. The Consistency: 25 Points vs. Ohio State
Even in a tough 89-82 road loss to the Buckeyes, Arenas remained the brightest spot on the floor. His 25 points marked his third consecutive game surpassing the 20-point threshold. Despite the defeat, his scoring kept the Trojans within striking distance until the final minute.
USC struggled early in conference play without him, but since his return, the energy around the program has transformed. Arenas is playing with a level of poise that is rare for a freshman. He is currently shooting the ball with high efficiency and has quickly become the focal point of the scouting report for every opposing coach.
The Trojans are currently fighting for a spot in the Big Ten hierarchy, and with Arenas averaging 26 points over this recent stretch, they have become a dangerous matchup for anyone in the country.
